OpenSynonym

yaw

/jɔ/

NOUN

1. Rotation of an aircraft, ship, or vehicle around its vertical axis

The rotation of an aircraft, ship, missile, or other moving object around its vertical axis, causing its longitudinal axis to deviate from its intended heading in the horizontal plane.

1.1. Side-to-side rotation of an aircraft

The angular movement of an aircraft around its vertical axis, causing its nose to turn left or right relative to its direction of travel.

Synonyms

  • swerve
  • deviation
  • turn

Examples

  • The pilot skillfully corrected the aircraft's yaw to maintain a smooth and stable flight.
  • The drone's automated systems prevented significant yaw during its aerial survey.

Related Words

1.2. Side-to-side movement of a ship

The rotation of a vessel around its vertical axis, causing its bow to swing from side to side, particularly when affected by wind, waves, or currents.

Synonyms

  • swerve
  • swing
  • turn

Examples

  • As the ship encountered strong currents, it began to yaw, prompting the captain to adjust its course.

Related Words

1.3. Angular deviation from a projectile's trajectory

The angle between a projectile's longitudinal axis and the tangent to its trajectory at a particular point during flight.

Synonyms

  • angular deviation
  • angle of deviation

Related Words

  • trajectory
  • projectile
  • flight path
  • longitudinal axis
  • ballistics

1.4. The extent of rotation around a vertical axis

The measurable angular displacement of an object around its vertical axis, describing how far its orientation has turned horizontally.

Synonyms

  • rotation angle
  • angular displacement

Related Words

VERB

2. To rotate or turn around a vertical axis

To rotate around a vertical axis while maintaining a general direction of travel, or to deviate sideways from an intended heading.

2.1. Rotating around a vertical axis

Turning horizontally around a vertical axis while continuing along a general course, particularly in aviation, navigation, and vehicle movement.

Synonyms

  • turn
  • swerve
  • pivot
  • swing

Antonyms

  • stay
  • straighten

Examples

  • The race car experienced a sudden yaw as it navigated the sharp turn on the track.
  • The aircraft began to yaw slightly when a strong crosswind struck its side.

Related Words

2.2. Deviating sideways from an intended course

Moving or turning away from the intended direction toward the port or starboard side of a vessel, or otherwise drifting off course.

Synonyms

  • veer
  • swerve
  • deviate
  • stray
  • sheer
  • slew

Antonyms

  • stay
  • straighten

Examples

  • During the storm, the small boat struggled to stay on course and repeatedly yawed off its intended direction.

Related Words

2.3. Steering a vessel in a zigzag course

Steering a boat or vessel poorly so that it repeatedly changes direction and wanders from its intended course.

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • straighten

Examples

  • The inexperienced sailor allowed the boat to yaw back and forth across the intended course.

Related Words

NOUN

3. A blister or tumor associated with yaws disease

A single lesion or tumor occurring in the infectious tropical disease known as yaws.

3.1. A skin lesion caused by yaws

A localized growth or lesion associated with yaws, a chronic infectious disease that primarily affects the skin, bones, and joints.

Synonyms

Related Words

VERB

4. To form a frothy surface during sugar processing

To rise in blisters and break into white froth, as cane juice does during clarification in sugar manufacturing.

4.1. Cane juice forming froth

Developing bubbles or blisters that break into white foam during the clarification process in sugar production.

Synonyms

Related Words