Condensation Trail (Noun)
Meaning
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.
Classification
Nouns denoting natural objects (not man-made).
Examples
- The airline pilot carefully planned the flight through clear skies to minimize visibility of the condensation trail behind the plane.
- Condensation trails are often mistaken for normal clouds, but they tend to have a linear shape following the aircraft's path.
- Researchers tracking climate change study the effects of increasing condensation trails from growing air traffic on global temperatures.
- While gazing out the window at the contrail, Emily imagined it as a wispy dragon tail streaming behind a magical airplane.
- Aviation experts stressed the need for efficient flight routes to reduce the environmental impact of condensation trails and other aviation-related carbon emissions.