Associations to the word «Rudder»

Wiktionary

RUDDER, noun. (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).
RUDDER, noun. (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.
RUDDER, noun. A riddle or sieve.
RUDDER, noun. (figurative) That which resembles a rudder as a guide or governor; that which guides or governs the course.
RUDDER AUTHORITY, noun. The degree of control that the rudder can exert over the yawing motion of an aircraft; related to rudder design and airspeed.

Dictionary definition

RUDDER, noun. A hinged vertical airfoil mounted at the tail of an aircraft and used to make horizontal course changes.
RUDDER, noun. (nautical) steering mechanism consisting of a hinged vertical plate mounted at the stern of a vessel.

Wise words

We should have a great fewer disputes in the world if words were taken for what they are, the signs of our ideas only, and not for things themselves.
John Locke