yaw
yaw
/jɔː/
The rotation of an aircraft or ship around its vertical axis, causing the nose to swing side to side.
Controlled by the rudder on the tail; essential for maintaining coordinated flight in crosswinds.
The story behind the word. Originating in 16th-century nautical English, possibly from Old Norse or Middle English 'yowen' (to deviate or go wide). Ships 'yawed' when off-course in rough waves, a concept adopted by early gliders and airplanes.
Word relationships
- swerve: Swerve implies an abrupt change in directional path, while yaw refers specifically to rotational motion around the vertical axis.
Commonly confused with
- pitch: Yaw swings the nose left/right; pitch moves the nose up/down.
Word family
- yawing (adjective): Swinging around a vertical axis.
Collocations
- adverse yaw
- yaw axis
- yaw damper
- correct for yaw
Example sentences
- "The pilot used the rudder to correct for yaw caused by strong crosswinds near the runway." Crosswind landing technique
- "Adverse yaw occurs when the aircraft turns, causing the nose to drift opposite the bank direction." Aerodynamic analysis
Memory hook
YAWN and shake your head 'NO' side to side. Nose swinging LEFT or RIGHT.
When not to use
Avoid using 'yaw' for tilting or leaning; it strictly refers to side-to-side nose rotation.
Fun facts
- Modern jetliners use automated 'yaw dampers' to prevent an uncomfortable swaying motion known as the Dutch Roll.
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