Skew

Pronunciation

• US
• Rhymes: -uː

Origin

From Old French escuer, eskiuer, northern variants of eschuer, eschiver, eschever.

Full definition of skew

Adjective

1. (mathematics) Neither perpendicular nor parallel (usually said of two lines).

Derived terms

• skew arch
• skew back
• skew bridge
• skew curve
• skew gearing, skew bevel gearing
• skew surface
• skew symmetrical determinant

Verb

1. (transitive) To change or alter in a particular direction.A disproportionate number of female subjects in the study group skewed the results.
2. (transitive) To shape or form in an oblique way; to cause to take an oblique position.
3. (transitive) To throw or hurl obliquely.
4. (intransitive) To walk obliquely; to go sidling; to lie or move obliquely.
• L'EstrangeChild, you must walk straight, without skewing.
5. (intransitive) To start aside; to shy, as a horse.
6. (intransitive) To look obliquely; to squint; hence, to look slightingly or suspiciously.

Related terms

• skewness

Noun

1. (architecture) A stone at the foot of the slope of a gable, the offset of a buttress, etc., cut with a sloping surface and with a check to receive the coping stones and retain them in place.

Adverb

1. Awry; obliquely; askew.