runout

[ ruhn-out ]

noun

1. Machinery.
   1. the gradual termination of a groove on the body of an object not ending there, as the upper termination of a flute in a twist drill.
   2. Also called back clearance. a space in a depressed area of an object into which a machine tool or grinding wheel may safely enter at the end of a pass or operation.
2. the merging of a curved surface into another surface.
3. an act or instance of running away so as to evade, abandon, or avoid something.
4. a person who runs away so as to avoid payment or duty.
5. an act or instance of expiring or becoming depleted:

   the runout of a union contract; a runout in office supplies.

6. uneven wear on the outer edges of a tire or on the rim of a wheel.

Word History and Origins

Origin of runout¹

First recorded in 1925–30; noun use of verb phrase run out

Example Sentences

Make sure there is an adequate run-out at the bottom of the hill so no one needs to abruptly stop.

From Outside Online

When we missed wide-open threes, they got run-outs in transition.

From Washington Post

A joke on me, but sometimes I like to think that our runout was the thing that made them think and make peace.

From Project Gutenberg