Yaw

One of three ways to alter the attitude of something such as an aircraft or organism that can move in three dimensions. Yawing involves rotating the thing about its axis that runs from top to bottom for lack of better terminology. You can also roll and pitch a thing. In aircraft, yawing is accomplished by moving the rudder(s) in the vertical stabilizer(s) by means of the rudder pedals.

Yaw (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Yawed (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Yawing.] [Cf. Yew, v. i.]

To rise in blisters, breaking in white froth, as cane juice in the clarifiers in sugar works.

© Webster 1913.

Yaw, v. i. & t. [Cf. Prov. G. gagen to rock, gageln to totter, shake, Norw. gaga to bend backward, Icel. gagr bent back, gaga to throw the neck back.] Naut.

To steer wild, or out of the line of her course; to deviate from her course, as when struck by a heavy sea; -- said of a ship.

Just as he would lay the ship's course, all yawing being out of the question. Lowell.

© Webster 1913.

Yaw, n. Naut.

A movement of a vessel by which she temporarily alters her course; a deviation from a straight course in steering.

© Webster 1913.