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runout

American  
[ruhn-out] / ˈrʌnˌaʊt /

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.


Etymology

Origin of runout

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

“The sheer volume of snow that is deposited in the runout zone is mind-boggling,” Nick Meyers, the center’s director, said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 23, 2024

Crews searched the bottom of a large avalanche runout about 1,000 feet downslope from the top of the mountain after they did not find any trace of the man at the summit.

From Seattle Times Dec. 19, 2023

James soft-tossed the ball to D’Angelo Russell, leading to a transition runout for Minnesota that granted Taurean Prince a wide-open shot at a game-tying three-pointer.

From Washington Post Apr. 12, 2023

After going winless in Australia during the Ashes, this was always likely to be a straightforward runout for England against tournament debutants Bangladesh, a side whom they have never met in a full one-day international.

From BBC Feb. 28, 2022

"Why don't you try making an IBM runout?"

From Master of None by Neil Goble

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