fishtail
fishtail Lexical Profile
fishtail Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To swing or skid from side to side at the rear while moving forward (especially of a motor vehicle or aircraft).
"The delivery van began to fishtail as it rounded the icy corner too quickly."
To cause the rear end of a vehicle or aircraft to swing from side to side, especially in order to reduce speed.
"The pilot had to fishtail the light plane to lose excess airspeed before touching down on the short runway."
• adjective
Shaped like the forked or flaring tail of a fish, especially widening out or splitting into two lobes at the end.
"The bride wore an elegant gown featuring a dramatic fishtail hem."
• noun
A sideways skidding or swinging motion of the rear end of a moving vehicle or aircraft.
"The driver corrected the sudden fishtail on the wet pavement before the truck left the lane."
An object, ornament, or structural part shaped like the forked or flared tail of a fish, such as a flared skirt hem or a specialized woodworking chisel.
"She styled her long hair into a neat fishtail for the evening reception."