yaw
/jɔː
/verb [no object]
(Of a moving ship or aircraft) twist or oscillate about a vertical axis: [with adverbial of direction]: the jet yawed sharply to the right...
- The pleasant rocking of the boat was replaced by a Perfect Storm pitching and yawing.
- The Utopian ship yawed hard to port in an attempt to evade the incoming ordnance.
- Doremi was at the stern of a large ship that yawed back and forth as it sailed through a storm-tossed sea.
noun [mass noun]
Twisting or oscillation of a moving ship or aircraft about a vertical axis: applying the opposite rudder will tend to reduce the yaw...
- This system is designed to compensate for wind and heel and control roll, yaw and surge.
- Aloft upon the mast, the figure stood, uncompromising to the gale and pitch and yaw of the ship.
- One could surely demonstrate yaw with engine failure since the props didn't feather.
Origin
Mid 16th century: of unknown origin.