wake2

 
Pronunciation: /weɪk/

noun

  • a trail of disturbed water or air left by the passage of a ship or aircraft.

Phrases

in the wake of

following (someone or something), especially as a consequence: the committee was set up in the wake of the inquiry

Origin:

late 15th century (denoting a track made by a person or thing): probably via Middle Low German from Old Norse vǫk, vaka 'hole or opening in ice'