tails
tails Lexical Profile
tails Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Plural form of tail: the hindmost, flexible anatomical appendages extending from the rear of the bodies of vertebrates and other animals.
"The dogs wagged their tails eagerly as their owner approached the gate."
The reverse side of a coin, opposite the side bearing the portrait or head, especially when called or turned up in a coin toss.
"She called tails while the referee flipped the silver coin into the air."
A formal evening suit for men featuring a coat with a short front and two long, divided flaps hanging down at the back, or the coat itself.
"The symphony conductor wore traditional white tie and tails for the opening night gala."
The final, lowest-quality, or least volatile fraction collected at the end of a distillation process, especially in spirit production.
"The master distiller carefully separated the harsh-tasting tails from the pure heart of the whiskey run."
• verb
To follow and observe someone closely and secretly, especially as part of an investigation (third-person singular simple present).
"In the mystery novel, the private detective tails the suspect through the crowded train station."
Word Nuance & Usage
When referring to the reverse side of a coin in a coin toss, 'tails' functions as a singular or uncountable noun in expressions like 'tails never fails', whereas when referring to formal evening attire or the plural of 'tail', it takes plural agreement.
• Rhymes for tails
Word Origin & Etymology
From Old English 'tægl', meaning the hairy hindpart of an animal, derived from Proto-Germanic '*taglaz'.