trailing edge

noun

: the rearmost edge of an object that moves and especially of an airfoil

Examples of trailing edge in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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The extended position of the slats also indicates that the flaps on the trailing edge of the wings were deployed, despite a lack of clear visibility of the flaps in the crash video, according to Mr. Pruchnicki. Mika Gröndahl, New York Times, 28 June 2025 Both the leading and trailing edges are broken into small comb-like serrations that smooth out air turbulence to cut noise and provide the owl's hyper-quiet hunting ability. New Atlas, 24 Oct. 2024 There were isotope differences between the leading and trailing edge of the moon, so the researchers took the average of the two. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 19 Apr. 2024 The Racer’s wings are optimized in all phases of flight, thanks to flaps on the trailing edge. Daniel Cote, Robb Report, 16 May 2024 See All Example Sentences for trailing edge

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trailing edge was in 1909

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Cite this Entry

“Trailing edge.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trailing%20edge. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

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