tail fin


noun

Automotive. See under fin1(def 7).

Origin of tail fin

First recorded in 1675–85

Definition for tail fin (2 of 2)

fin 1
[ fin ]
/ fɪn /

noun

verb (used with object), finned, fin·ning.

to cut off the fins from (a fish); carve or cut up, as a chub.
to provide or equip with a fin or fins.

verb (used without object), finned, fin·ning.

to move the fins; lash the water with the fins, as a whale when dying.

Origin of fin

1
before 1000; Middle English, Old English finn; cognate with Dutch vin, Low German finne; akin to Swedish fena

OTHER WORDS FROM fin

fin·less, adjective fin·like, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for tail fin

British Dictionary definitions for tail fin (1 of 4)

Fin

abbreviation for

Finland
Finnish

British Dictionary definitions for tail fin (2 of 4)

FIN

abbreviation for

Finland (international car registration)

British Dictionary definitions for tail fin (3 of 4)

fin 1
/ (fɪn) /

noun

verb fins, finning or finned

Derived forms of fin

finless, adjective

Word Origin for fin

Old English finn; related to Middle Dutch vinne, Old Swedish fina, Latin pinna wing

British Dictionary definitions for tail fin (4 of 4)

fin 2
/ (fɪn) /

noun

US slang a five-dollar bill

Word Origin for fin

from Yiddish finf five, ultimately from Old High German funf, finf

Scientific definitions for tail fin

fin
[ fĭn ]

One of the winglike or paddlelike parts of a fish, dolphin, or whale that are used for propelling, steering, and balancing in water.