contrail

Thân thiện

A jet leaves a long white contrail across the clear blue sky.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • An artificial cloud created by an aircraft: A visible streak of condensed water vapor or ice crystals that forms in the sky behind an aircraft. It is caused either by the reduction in air pressure and temperature above the wing surfaces or by the water vapor in the engine exhaust freezing in the cold upper air.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The clear blue sky was marked by a long, white contrail from a passing jet.
  • Scientists study contrails to understand their impact on climate and cloud formation.

Advanced Usage

• "Persistent contrail": A contrail that remains visible in the sky for an extended period, often spreading to form cirrus-like clouds.
  • The persistent contrail slowly widened, eventually covering part of the sky with a thin haze.

Variants and Related Words

• Condensation trail (n): The full term for "contrail." It is often used in more formal or scientific contexts.
  • The report detailed the effects of aircraft condensation trails on atmospheric chemistry.

Synonyms

• Vapor trail: A common synonym for contrail, emphasizing the visible stream of water vapor.
• Exhaust trail: A term that specifically highlights the origin from engine exhaust.

Notes on Meaning

• A contrail is specifically an phenomenon caused by human activity (aviation). It is distinct from natural clouds, though it may evolve to resemble them.
• The formation and persistence of a contrail depend heavily on atmospheric conditions, such as temperature and humidity at the aircraft's altitude.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an artificial cloud created by an aircraft; caused either by condensation due to the reduction in air pressure above the wing surface or by water vapor in the engine exhaust

Từ đồng nghĩa

• condensation trail