tailfin

A noun referring to a stabilizing structure on the vertical tail of an aircraft, or to a decorative projection above the rear fenders of a car.

• 🇫🇷Nom désignant une structure stabilisatrice située sur l'empennage vertical d'un avion, ou un élément décoratif en saillie au-dessus des ailes arrière d'une voiture.

1. Aircraft stabilizer B2 formal technical

   A vertical fin at the rear of an aircraft that provides stability and control during flight.

   • The pilot checked the tailfin before takeoff.
   • The aircraft's tailfin was painted with the airline's logo.
   • Damage to the tailfin can affect the plane's maneuverability.

   🇫🇷dérive verticale

   Synonymes: finvertical finvertical stabilizer

2. Automobile decoration C1 informal american technical

   A decorative projection above the rear fender of a car, popular in mid-20th century automotive design.

   • The classic car had large chrome tailfins.
   • Tailfins were a distinctive feature of 1950s automobiles.
   • He restored the tailfins on his vintage Cadillac.

   🇫🇷Aileron de voiture

   Synonymes: fintail fin

• tailfins plural form
• tailfins' possessive plural form
• tailfin's possessive singular form