jet lag

American  

Or jetlag

noun

1. a temporary disruption of the body's normal biological rhythms after high-speed air travel through several time zones.

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jet lag British  

noun

1. a general feeling of fatigue and disorientation often experienced by travellers by jet aircraft who cross several time zones in relatively few hours

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jet lag Scientific  

1. A temporary disruption of normal circadian rhythm caused by high-speed travel across several time zones typically in a jet aircraft, resulting in fatigue, disorientation, and disturbed sleep patterns.

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jet lag Cultural  

1. A temporary disruption of the body's biological clock experienced by persons who travel across several time zones by airplane. The effects of jet lag, which may include fatigue and irritability, generally disappear after a few days as the body's internal rhythms readjust themselves to the new time frame.

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Other Word Forms

• jet-lagged
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of jet lag

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Jet lag is now exceedingly hard on his body, despite just a three-hour difference between the East and West Coast.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2024

Jet lag can affect digestion and sleep patterns too.

From Salon • Jan. 3, 2024

Jet lag is a circadian rhythm disorder, albeit a temporary one, so melatonin may help.

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2022

Repeat: Jet lag decreases a team’s chances of winning.

From Washington Post • Mar. 19, 2017

“Oho. Jet lag, I suppose,” Comrade Pillai said, pleased with himself for knowing a thing or two about international travel.

From "The God of Small Things" by Arundhati Roy