skid
(skĭd)
[Perhaps of Scandinavian origin.]
noun
- The act of sliding or slipping over a surface, often sideways.
- A plank, log, or timber, usually one of a pair, used as a support or as a track for sliding or rolling heavy objects.
- A pallet for loading or handling goods, especially one having solid sideboards and no bottom.
- One of several logs or timbers forming a skid road.
- Nautical A wooden framework attached to the side of a ship to prevent damage, as when unloading.
- A shoe or drag applying pressure to a wheel to brake a vehicle.
- A runner in the landing gear of certain aircraft.
- Slang A path to ruin or failure: His career hit the skids. Her life is now on the skids.
verb: skid·ded, skid·ding, skids.
intransitive verb
- To slide sideways while moving because of loss of traction: The truck skidded on a patch of ice. See synonyms at slide
- To slide without revolving: wheels skidding on oily pavement.
- To move sideways in a turn because of insufficient banking. Used of an airplane.
transitive verb
- To brake (a wheel) with a skid.
- To haul on a skid or skids.