rudder

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a flat piece, usually at the stern of a ship or aircraft, used for steering

   The pilot adjusted the rudder to change the plane's direction.

2. 2
   noun

   a guiding principle or means of direction

   His mentor acted as a rudder in his career decisions.

rudder (Modern English, 'device for steering a vessel'); from Proto-Germanic _rōþrą_ ('steering; rudder'), via Old English _rōþor_ ('rudder; steering gear') and Middle English _rother_ (12th c.).

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