pinwheeling

[ pin-hwee-ling, -wee- ]

noun

, U.S. Nautical.

1. the act of turning a multiple-screw ship within a minimum radius by having some engines going forward and others going in reverse.

Word History and Origins

Origin of pinwheeling¹

pinwheel + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

But the trouble was unknown, and they might end up rifling or pinwheeling if they didn't let bad enough alone.

From Project Gutenberg

The concussion hit Johnny like a fist, pinwheeling him backwards in the rocker against the wall of the house.

From Project Gutenberg