Rudder
/ˈrʌd.ər/noun
A flat piece at the back of a boat or aircraft used for steering.
Did you know?The word is historically connected to Old English and Proto-Germanic terms for rowing, showing how early ship steering was conceptually linked to the power of the oar.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*rōþrą
“a rowing or steering implement”
Old English
OE
rōðor
“a rudder; a steering oar”
Middle English
ME
rudder
“a ship’s steering device”
Modern English
English
rudder
“the movable surface used to steer a vessel or aircraft”