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

“Right now I’m checking the runout groove to see how much deviation there is,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“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

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

While searching at the base of the runout, rescuers saw a flashing light near a boulder field, which was more than 1,200 feet below where the man initially fell.

From Seattle Times

The aerial search Monday was focusing on the avalanche’s runout zone, or the lower portion of the slide path.

From Seattle Times