Contrail: meaning, definitions and examples
✈️
contrail
[ ˈkɒn.tr.eɪl ]
aeronautics
A contrail, short for 'condensation trail', is a visible line of cloud-like formation created when water vapor from aircraft engine exhaust condenses and freezes at high altitudes. Contrails form when hot, humid air from jet exhaust mixes with low-pressure, cold air, resulting in the condensation of water vapor into tiny ice crystals. These formations can persist for varying lengths of time depending on atmospheric conditions and can spread out into cirrus-like clouds. They are commonly observed in the sky behind aircraft, especially during high-altitude flights.
Synonyms
condensation trail, vapor trail.
Examples of usage
- The contrail stretched across the blue sky.
- Scientists study contrails to understand their impact on climate.
- The plane left a long contrail as it soared above the mountains.
- He photographed the sunset with a contrail weaving through the clouds.
Translations
Translations of the word "contrail" in other languages:
🇵🇹 trilha de condensação
🇮🇳 कंट्रेल
🇩🇪 Kondensstreifen
🇮🇩 jejak kondensasi
🇺🇦 конденсаційний слід
🇵🇱 ślady kondensacyjne
🇯🇵 飛行機雲
🇫🇷 traînée de condensation
🇪🇸 estela de condensación
🇹🇷 kondensasyon izi
🇰🇷 비행기 구름
🇸🇦 أثر التكثف
🇨🇿 kondenzace
🇸🇰 kondenzácia
🇨🇳 凝结轨迹
🇸🇮 kondenzacijski sled
🇮🇸 þéttibraut
🇰🇿 конденсация ізі
🇬🇪 კონდენსაციური კვალი
🇦🇿 kondensasiya izi
🇲🇽 estela de condensación
Etymology
The term 'contrail' originated during World War II when military aviators started noticing these trails left by aircraft flying at high altitudes. It is a portmanteau of 'condensation' and 'trail', referring to the trail of condensed water vapor. The phenomenon gained increased attention post-war, with the advent of commercial jet aviation, as more regular flights began to showcase the distinct visual effect in the sky. By the 1950s, the term was well-established in aeronautics, as scientists began to study their properties and environmental impact more closely. The discussion around contrails has evolved, especially in the context of climate change, as researchers analyze how these trails affect atmospheric conditions and contribute to global warming. Today, contrails are an important topic in both aviation safety and climate science.