tail fin

• Aileron ou stabilisateur vertical situé à l'arrière d'un avion, d'un poisson ou d'un véhicule, utilisé pour assurer la stabilité et contrôler la direction.

A fin or vertical stabilizer located at the rear of an aircraft, fish, or vehicle, used for stability and directional control.

1. Fish anatomyB1formal

   The fin at the posterior end of a fish's body, used for propulsion and steering.

   queue (nageoire caudale)

   • The shark's tail fin propels it through the water.
   • A fish uses its tail fin to change direction quickly.
   • The tail fin of a tuna is shaped like a crescent.

2. Aircraft partB2formal

   The vertical stabilizer at the rear of an aircraft, providing directional stability.

   dérive verticale

   • The tail fin of the airplane was painted with the airline's logo.
   • Engineers inspected the tail fin for any structural damage.
   • The aircraft's tail fin helps keep it flying straight.

3. Car design elementB2informalamerican

   A prominent, often decorative, fin-like structure on the rear of a car, popular in the 1950s.

   Aileron de carrosserie

   • Classic cars from the 1950s often have large tail fins.
   • The tail fin on that vintage Cadillac is iconic.
   • Tail fins were a popular design trend in American automobiles.