slipstream

[slip-streem]

noun

1. Aeronautics.,  the airstream pushed back by a revolving aircraft propeller.

2. the airstream generating reduced air pressure and forward suction directly behind a rapidly moving vehicle.

verb (used without object)

1. to ride in the slipstream of a fast-moving vehicle.

slipstream

/ ˈslɪpˌstriːm /

noun

1. Also called: airstream.  race. 

   1. the stream of air forced backwards by an aircraft propeller

   2. a stream of air behind any moving object

verb

1. motor racing to follow (another car, etc) closely in order to take advantage of the decreased wind resistance immediately behind it

Word History and Origins

Origin of slipstream¹

First recorded in 1910–15; slip ¹ + stream

Example Sentences

In both races this weekend, it almost seemed to be a disadvantage to qualify on pole because of the slipstream on such a long straight.

From BBC

"Committed a bit more through Eau Rouge and had the slipstream and got the run and that was it. Love to be up top but Oscar deserved it today."

From BBC

Norris said: "I was confident after yesterday - 0.3secs is just slipstream and not being first out of the pit lane. It was a decent lap, so I'm happy."

From BBC

But if the options are championing Drakeo’s inimitable talent and idiosyncratic character or allowing his body of work to fade into the endless algorithmic slipstream, it’s not a difficult choice.

From Los Angeles Times

But Mexico has one of the the longest runs to the first corner of any circuit in F1 and sometimes starting behind can be an advantage because of the powerful slipstream effect.

From BBC