Dictionary

1steer

noun \ˈstir\

Definition of STEER

1
:  a male bovine animal and especially a domestic ox (Bos taurus) castrated before sexual maturity — compare stag 3
2
:  an ox less than four years old
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Origin of STEER

Middle English, from Old English stēor young ox; akin to Old High German stior young ox
First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

2steer

verb

: to control the direction in which something (such as a ship, car, or airplane) moves

—used to describe how easy or difficult it is to steer a vehicle

: to be moved or guided in a particular direction or along a particular course

Full Definition of STEER

transitive verb
1
:  to control the course of :  direct; especially :  to guide by mechanical means (as a rudder)
2
:  to set and hold to (a course)
intransitive verb
1
:  to direct the course (as of a ship or automobile)
2
:  to pursue a course of action
3
:  to be subject to steering <the car steers well>
steer·able \ˈstir-ə-bəl\ adjective
steer·er noun
steer clear
:  to keep entirely away —often used with of <tries to steer clear of debt>

Origin of STEER

Middle English steren, from Old English stīeran; akin to Old English stēor- steering oar, Greek stauros stake, cross, stylos pillar, Sanskrit sthavira, sthūra stout, thick
First Known Use: 12th century

Synonym Discussion of STEER

guide, lead, steer, pilot, engineer mean to direct in a course or show the way to be followed. guide implies intimate knowledge of the way and of all its difficulties and dangers <guided the scouts through the cave>. lead implies showing the way and often keeping those that follow under control and in order <led his team to victory>. steer implies an ability to keep to a course and stresses the capacity of maneuvering correctly <steered the ship through a narrow channel>. pilot suggests guidance over a dangerous or complicated course <piloted the bill through the Senate>. engineer implies finding ways to avoid or overcome difficulties in achieving an end or carrying out a plan <engineered his son's election to the governorship>.

3steer

noun

Definition of STEER

:  a hint as to procedure :  tip

First Known Use of STEER

1894

4steer

Definition of STEER

dialect British variant of stir
STEER Defined for Kids

1steer

verb \ˈstir\
steeredsteer·ing

Definition of STEER for Kids

1
:  to make a vehicle move in a particular direction <steer a boat> <… she didn't even try to steer around the bumps and holes. — Jack Gantos, Joey Pigza Loses Control>
2
:  to guide or change the direction of something <I tried to steer the conversation away from politics.>
3
:  to follow a course of action <She steers clear of girls who gossip.>

2steer

noun

Definition of STEER for Kids

:  a castrated bull usually raised for beef

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Next Word in the Dictionary: steerabilityPrevious Word in the Dictionary: steepyAll Words Near: steer
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