windage

American  

[win-dij] / ˈwɪn dɪdʒ /

noun

1. the influence of the wind in deflecting a missile.

2. the amount of such deflection.

3. the degree to which a gunsight must be adjusted to correct for windage.

4. a difference between the diameter of a projectile and that of the gun bore, for the escape of gas and the prevention of friction.

5. Nautical. that portion of a vessel's surface upon which the wind acts.

6. Machinery. friction between a rotor and the air within its casing, as in an electric generator.

7. Electricity. the resisting influence of air against the rotating armature of a dynamo, creating a power loss.

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windage British  

/ ˈwɪndɪdʒ /

noun

1. 1. a deflection of a projectile as a result of the effect of the wind

   2. the degree of such deflection

   3. the extent to which it is necessary to adjust the wind gauge of a gun sight in order to compensate for such deflection

2. the difference between a firearm's bore and the diameter of its projectile

3. nautical the exposed part of the hull of a vessel responsible for wind resistance

4. the retarding force upon a rotating machine resulting from the drag of the air

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Etymology

Origin of windage

First recorded in 1700–10; wind ¹ + -age

Example Sentences

“It’s more windage from an aerodynamic perspective, and also we had two great helmsmen, two great match racers. It was almost obvious that we did that.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 8, 2021

And people who have brilliant old-fashioned skills, such as casting bronze, and know about things such as "windage".

From The Guardian • Feb. 25, 2013

Taking Kentucky windage on the oceanside 18th, Palmer sent a No. 3 wood angling out to sea, smiled happily as the ball blew back right in line with the flag.

From Time Magazine Archive

Adjusting for some patriotic windage and unedited repetitions, Ambrose's latest rouser is also on the mark.

From Time Magazine Archive

One buzzed close past and burst about twenty feet in front of the F.O., and either the windage or the explosion lifted him off his feet and clean rolled him over.

From Between the Lines by Cable, Boyd