trailing edge: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical, Formal
Quick answer
What does “trailing edge” mean?
The rear or back edge of an object, especially in aerodynamics, such as on a wing, blade, or similar structure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The rear or back edge of an object, especially in aerodynamics, such as on a wing, blade, or similar structure.
In technology, it can refer to the falling edge of a signal in electronics, or metaphorically to something that follows, lags behind, or is less advanced.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning; slight variations in pronunciation may occur, but both variants use the term identically in technical contexts.
Connotations
Similar in both variants, primarily associated with technical or specialized fields.
Frequency
Equally low in everyday usage but common in technical registers in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “trailing edge” in a Sentence
of [object]on [surface]at the trailing edgeVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “trailing edge” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ivy trails along the garden wall.
American English
- The detective trailed the suspect through the city.
adverb
British English
- The smoke drifted trailingly from the chimney.
American English
- The car followed trailingly behind the convoy.
adjective
British English
- The trailing cables posed a tripping hazard.
American English
- She wore a trailing scarf that flowed in the wind.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used; may appear in discussions about aviation, technology sectors, or innovation trends.
Academic
Common in engineering, physics, aerodynamics, and electronics research papers.
Everyday
Very rare; mostly encountered in hobbies like model aircraft building or among tech enthusiasts.
Technical
Frequently used in aerodynamics, mechanical engineering, electronics, and related technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “trailing edge”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “trailing edge”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “trailing edge”
- Confusing 'trailing edge' with 'leading edge', or using it in non-technical contexts where simpler terms like 'back edge' are preferred.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It refers to the back edge of an object, like on a wing or blade, often discussed in technical fields.
No, it is a specialized term mostly used in engineering, aviation, and technology contexts.
It is typically pronounced as /ˈtreɪlɪŋ ɛdʒ/, similar to British English.
Yes, it can metaphorically describe something that is outdated or following behind, such as in 'trailing edge innovation'.
Trailing edge is usually technical, formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on the trailing edge of technology”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a trail left behind; the trailing edge is the part that trails or follows at the back.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often metaphorically used to describe something outdated or lagging behind, e.g., 'trailing edge technology' implying obsolescence.
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary antonym of 'trailing edge' in technical contexts?