Definition

1. Noun:
   • The deflection of a projectile resulting from the effects of wind: The degree to which the path of a bullet, artillery shell, or other projectile is altered by the force of the wind.
   • Exposure to the wind (as the exposed part of a vessel's hull which is responsible for wind resistance): The extent to which an object, especially part of a ship or vehicle, is presented to the wind, causing resistance.
   • The space between the projectile of a smoothbore gun and the surface of the bore of the gun: The gap or clearance between a round shot and the interior wall of a non-rifled cannon barrel.
   • The retarding force of air friction on a moving object: The aerodynamic drag acting against an object moving through the air.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The sniper had to calculate the windage to adjust his aim for the crosswind. (The deflection of a projectile resulting from the effects of wind)
  • The ship's high superstructure created significant windage, slowing its progress. (Exposure to the wind which is responsible for wind resistance)
  • In historical cannons, the windage was quite large, affecting accuracy. (The space between the projectile and the bore of a smoothbore gun)
  • Engineers worked to reduce the car's windage to improve its top speed. (The retarding force of air friction)

Advanced Usage

• "To allow for windage": To make an adjustment or compensation for the effect of the wind.
  • When shooting at long range, you must allow for windage.
• "Windage adjustment": A specific modification, often on a firearm's sight, to correct for wind drift.
  • He made a precise windage adjustment on the rifle scope.

Variants and Related Words

• Wind deflection: A phrase often used interchangeably with the first meaning of windage.
• Air resistance / Drag: Broader terms related to the fourth meaning (retarding force of air friction).

Synonyms

• Drift: (for the deflection meaning) The movement of something from its course.
• Leeway: (for the exposure meaning) A margin of freedom or variation, sometimes used in a nautical context.
• Clearance: (for the space meaning) An allowed amount of space between two parts.
• Drag: (for the retarding force meaning) The force that opposes an object's motion through a fluid.

Related Phrases

• "To take the windage out": (Technical/Historical) To minimize the effects of wind or clearance, e.g., by using a tighter-fitting projectile.
  • The new ammunition was designed to take the windage out of the old cannon.

Noun

1. the deflection of a projectile resulting from the effects of wind
2. exposure to the wind (as the exposed part of a vessel's hull which is responsible for wind resistance)
3. the space between the projectile of a smoothbore gun and the surface of the bore of the gun
4. the retarding force of air friction on a moving object