slipstream

[ slip-streem ]

noun

1. Aeronautics. the airstream pushed back by a revolving aircraft propeller. Compare backwash ( def 2 ), wash ( def 31 ).
2. the airstream generating reduced air pressure and forward suction directly behind a rapidly moving vehicle.

verb (used without object)

1. to ride in the slipstream of a fast-moving vehicle.

slipstream

/ ˈslɪpˌstriːm /

noun

1. Also calledairstreamrace
   1. the stream of air forced backwards by an aircraft propeller
   2. a stream of air behind any moving object

verb

1. motor racing to follow (another car, etc) closely in order to take advantage of the decreased wind resistance immediately behind it

Word History and Origins

Origin of slipstream¹

First recorded in 1910–15; slip ¹ + stream

Example Sentences

The Darkside record was an opportunity to attempt to shut off his brain and lose himself in the slipstream.

From Washington Post

Even smaller ad tech vendors have been swept up in the slipstream.

From Digiday

Inevitably, 007 ends up alone before—a nice, concluding touch—disappearing into the slipstream of a Sunday morning.

From The Daily Beast

With a rush, and a spinning of dust in the slipstream, the ship was away.

From Project Gutenberg