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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.

"It was a runout for those of us who didn't play the night before or who only got a few minutes," Arfield says.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2025

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

Brown finished with just four points but had six rebounds and five steals, including one for a runout basket for a 57-53 lead in OT.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 21, 2022

He burst his way to eight points in the final four minutes of the third quarter, Crypto.com Arena swelling at every transition runout, readying for another hanging lefty finish.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 7, 2022

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

From Dead World by Barr, George

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