yaw

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   of a ship or aircraft, to turn or swing temporarily away from its intended direction

   A sudden crosswind made the aircraft yaw sharply to the right.

2. 2
   noun

   rotation about a vertical axis, or the resulting sideways departure from an intended course

   The rudder controls the aircraft's yaw during flight.

Of uncertain origin, first attested in the mid-sixteenth century. It may be related to yar ("quick, agile") or to a Germanic verb represented by Old Norse jaga and Middle Low German jagen ("to chase or drive"); the nautical sense centers on wandering from a steady course.

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