dragon's tail

noun

, Astronomy.

1. (formerly) the descending node of the moon or a planet.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dragon's tail¹

First recorded in 1595–1605

Example Sentences

At the very back of the castle, the dragon’s tail stuck straight into the air, with the end of the tail forming yet another tower, this one with a lit window at its peak.

From Literature

Jack shook his head again, and this time dropped out of sight of the window, coming to a stop about halfway down the dragon’s tail.

From Literature

Scientists call it “tickling the dragon’s tail,” Custer said, because the experiment approaches but stays below the stage at which the fission of nuclear materials sustains an ongoing series of chain reactions.

From Seattle Times

RENO, Nev. — Scientists charged with ensuring the aging U.S. stockpile of nuclear weapons are good to go - if needed - say they’ll start shipping key components to Nevada’s desert next year to prepare for underground testing they call “tickling the dragon’s tail.”

From Washington Times

Scientists call it “tickling the dragon’s tail,” Custer said, because the experiment approaches but stays below the stage at which the fission of nuclear materials sustains an ongoing series of chain reactions.

From Washington Times