In terms of flight, what does the term 'induced drag' refer to?

Induced drag is specifically associated with the generation of lift in an aircraft. When lift is produced, it comes at the cost of increased drag, which is termed induced drag. This drag results from the creation of lift, as air is displaced around the wings and creates vortices at the wingtips. The stronger the lift, the more pronounced these vortices become, leading to higher levels of induced drag. Thus, this drag is an inseparable aspect of the lift generation process during flight, particularly at lower speeds and higher angles of attack. Understanding induced drag is fundamental in the study of aerodynamics, as it highlights the interplay between lift and drag that pilots must manage for efficient flight.