tail fin
1
4.2
- noun
- /teɪl fɪn/
- Specialized
- The plane's tail fin was damaged during the turbulent landing.
- vertical tail fin
- jet's tail fin
Examples
-
Modern jetliners often have a large tail fin to improve directional stability.
-
The vertical stabilizing surface at the rear of the aircraft, known as the tail fin, ensures that the plane maintains its direction during flight.
-
Inspectors checked the tail fin for signs of wear before the next flight.
-
The airplane's tail fin is crucial for stability.
-
A damaged tail fin can lead to control issues.
-
When the pilot lost control, the aircraft swayed dangerously due to a malfunctioning tail fin.
-
Engineers designed the new model with an improved tail fin to enhance stability and maneuverability in adverse weather conditions.
Synonyms
1
5.9
Upright part of an airplane tail that helps keep the plane pointing straight during flight
1
5.4
A vertical fin at the back of an airplane that keeps it flying straight
1
6.0
The upright fin on a plane's tail that keeps it pointed straight
1
4.3
A flat upright part on an airplane tail that keeps the plane pointing straight
How Complex
- Specialized
1
9.8
- Specialized
1
4.2
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning 'the fin at the tail of an aircraft' is directly derivable from combining 'tail' (rear part) with 'fin' (an appendage), so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer it denotes an appendage at the rear used for stability. This noun–noun compounding follows a common, compositional pattern and the extension of 'fin' to non‑aquatic appendages is conceptually transparent across languages.
Etymology
Tail fin The vertical fin at the back of a plane acts like a small tail that keeps the plane pointing straight and helps control direction, so tail fin means the stabilizing surface at the tail of an aircraft.