rudder: Meaning and Definition of

rud•der

Pronunciation: (rud'ur), [key]
— n.
  1. a vertical blade at the stern of a vessel that can be turned horizontally to change the vessel's direction when in motion.
  2. a movable control surface attached to a vertical stabilizer, located at the rear of an airplane and used, along with the ailerons, to turn the airplane.
  3. any means of or device for governing, directing, or guiding a course, as a leader or principle: His ideas provided a rudder for the new company.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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