RUDDER

rudder

(noun) (nautical) steering mechanism consisting of a hinged vertical plate mounted at the stern of a vessel

rudder

(noun) a hinged vertical airfoil mounted at the tail of an aircraft and used to make horizontal course changes

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

rudder (plural rudders)

(nautical) An underwater vane used to steer a vessel. The rudder is controlled by means of a wheel, tiller or other apparatus (modern vessels can be controlled even with a joystick or an autopilot).

(aeronautics) A control surface on the vertical stabilizer of a fixed-wing aircraft or an autogyro. On some craft, the entire vertical stabilizer comprises the rudder. The rudder is controlled by foot-operated control pedals.

A riddle or sieve.

(figurative) That which resembles a rudder as a guide or governor; that which guides or governs the course.

Hudibras

Source: Wiktionary


Rud"der, n.

Definition: A riddle or sieve. [Prov. Eng.]

Rud"der, n. Etym: [OE. rother, AS. roedher a paddle; akin to D. roer rudder, oar, G. ruder, OHG. roadar, Sw. roder, ror, Dan. roer, ror. sq. root 8. See Row to propel with an oar, and cf. Rother. ]

1. (Naut.)

Definition: The mechanical appliance by means of which a vessel is guided or steered when in motion. It is a broad and flat blade made of wood or iron, with a long shank, and is fastened in an upright position, usually by one edge, to the sternpost of the vessel in such a way that it can be turned from side to side in the water by means of a tiller, wheel, or other attachment.

2. Fig.: That which resembles a rudder as a guide or governor; that which guides or governs the course. For rhyme the rudder is of verses. Hudibras. Balance rudder (Naut.), a rudder pivoted near the middle instead of at the edge, -- common on sharpies.

– Drop rudder (Naut.), a rudder extending below the keel so as to be more effective in steering.

– Rudder chain (Naut.), one of the loose chains or ropes which fasten the rudder to the quarters to prevent its loss in case it gets unshipped, and for operating it in case the tiller or the wheel is broken.

– Rudder coat (Naut.), a covering of tarred canvas used to prevent water from entering the rudderhole.

– Rudder fish. (Zoöl.) (a) The pilot fish. (b) The amber fish (Seriola zonata), which is bluish having six broad black bands. (c) A plain greenish black American fish (Leirus perciformis); -- called also black rudder fish, logfish, and barrel fish. The name is also applied to other fishes which follow vessels.

– Rudder pendants (Naut.), ropes connected with the rudder chains.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

1 May 2024

ABOUND

(verb) be in a state of movement or action; “The room abounded with screaming children”; “The garden bristled with toddlers”


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