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

Excellent Sights: The Tactical Turkey comes with the receiver drilled for scope mounts, but the gun�s windage and elevation-adjustable fiber-optic sights are excellent.

From Time Magazine Archive

Slowly he stretched out into a prone firing position; he rested his rifle barrel on his helmet and sighted through the scope, allowing just enough Kentucky windage to compensate for the breeze.

From Time Magazine Archive

Her anchors still held, but her captain, finding no abatement in the wind, proceeded to reduce windage by chopping down his masts.

From A Son Of The Sun by London, Jack