Rudder

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ˈɹʌdÉ™(ɹ)/
• US IPA: /ˈɹʌdÉš/
• Rhymes: -ÊŒdÉ™(r)

Origin

Old English rōþor ("rudder"), from Proto-Germanic *rōþrą ("rudder"; literally, "paddle, instrument for rowing"), from Proto-Germanic *rōaną "to row" from Proto-Indo-European *ere-, *rē- ("to row") + Proto-Germanic *-þrą, *-þraz, instrumental suffix. Akin to Old English rōwan ("to row"). More at rōwan, -þor.

Noun

1. (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).
2. (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.
3. A riddle or sieve.
4. (figurative) That which resembles a rudder as a guide or governor; that which guides or governs the course.
• HudibrasFor rhyme the rudder is of verses.

Derived terms

• balance rudder
• bow rudder
• drop rudder
• rudder chain
• rudder coat
• rudderfish
• rudder pendants