windage

windage [win-dij] ExamplesWord Origin noun

the influence of the wind in deflecting a missile.
the amount of such deflection.
the degree to which a gunsight must be adjusted to correct for windage.
a difference between the diameter of a projectile and that of the gun bore, for the escape of gas and the prevention of friction.
Nautical. that portion of a vessel’s surface upon which the wind acts.
Machinery. friction between a rotor and the air within its casing, as in an electric generator.
Electricity. the resisting influence of air against the rotating armature of a dynamo, creating a power loss.

Origin of windage First recorded in 1700–10; wind1 + -age Examples from the Web for windage Historical Examples of windage

Windage in the English gun of 1750 was about 20 percent greater than in French pieces.

Albert Manucy

Changes in the line of sight are made by changing the elevation and windage.

James A. Moss

Then look at the windage chart and see just how much windage you must take.

James A. Moss

Therefore 1/4 to 1/2 windage into the sun (right in this case) should be taken to overcome this.

James A. Moss

Captain Porter fell, stunned by the windage of a shot, but got to his feet unaided.

George Gibbs

British Dictionary definitions for windage windage noun

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
the difference between a firearm’s bore and the diameter of its projectile
nautical the exposed part of the hull of a vessel responsible for wind resistance
the retarding force upon a rotating machine resulting from the drag of the air