turning circle

Noun

turning circle (plural turning circles)

1. The circular path formed by the wheel furthest from the centre of the turn when turning to the maximum extent.
   • But the horse has left his mark, for his successor is a mechanical horse designed to a large extent to copy the leading characteristics of the live horse; easy attachment to or detachment from its load, a small turning circle, a small appetite for petrol, but giving a much higher acceleration and...1944 November and December, T. F. Cameron, “Motor and Cartage Working”, in Railway Magazine, page 335
2. The path followed by a vessel’s center of gravity when it makes a complete turn of 360° with a consistent rudder angle. (FM 55-501)
3. A place where a vehicle can turn and face in the opposite direction.