scud
UK: skʌd | US: skʌd
vi. 1. To move swiftly or glide smoothly, especially of clouds or ships.
n. 2. Fast-moving low clouds or spray driven by wind.
n. 3. (Military) A type of surface-to-surface missile.
The word "scud" originates from Old Norse skjóta, meaning "to shoot or move quickly." It entered Middle English as a verb describing rapid, unrestrained motion, often applied to clouds or ships driven by wind. The noun form later emerged to denote the fast-moving clouds or spray themselves. The military usage (e.g., "Scud missile") metaphorically extends this sense of swift, direct movement.
Dark clouds scudded across the stormy sky.
The sailboat scudded before the strong wind.
We watched the scud of foam as waves crashed on the rocks.
The military launched a Scud missile during the exercise.
Leaves scudded along the pavement in the autumn breeze.