tail fin

noun

1. caudal fin.

2. Automotive.,  fin17

Word History and Origins

Origin of tail fin¹

First recorded in 1675–85

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, Michael Giacchino’s score soars between bleats of triumph and barbershop-chorus charm, a combination that can sound like an automobile show unveiling the first convertible with tail fins.

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The model, which applies to many fish species, simulates one to nine mackerel being propelled forward by their tail fins.

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The rudder is a movable panel on a jet’s vertical tail fin that can deflect to one side so the air pressure on the panel turns the plane’s nose to the right or left.

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He was fired last year for allegedly failing to conduct inspections that were his responsibility, resulting in faulty tail fin fittings being shipped to Boeing.

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If the door plug that blew off had struck and damaged the horizontal tail or the tail fin, the pilots could have lost control and the jet could have crashed.

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