tailfin

/ˈteɪlˌfɪn/
noun
  1. A fin at the rear of a fish or other aquatic animal, used for propulsion and steering.
    • The fish lost part of its tailfin in an attack but still swam well.
    • The shark's tailfin pushed it powerfully through the ocean.
    • The dolphin's tailfin moves up and down, not side to side like a fish's.
  2. A vertical fin at the rear of an aircraft, providing stability.
    • The tailfin helps keep the plane flying straight.
    • The pilot checked the tailfin for ice before takeoff.
    • The airplane's tailfin had the airline's logo painted on it.
  3. A decorative fin-like feature on the rear of a car, popular in the 1950s.
    • The vintage car had large chrome tailfins that made it look like a rocket.
    • He restored the tailfins on his classic Cadillac to their original shine.
    • Tailfins on cars were a style trend in the mid-20th century.
Synonyms
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