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fender

/ˈfɛndər/
/ˈfɛndə/
IPA guide

Other forms: fenders

A fender is the part of a car that protects and frames its wheels and keeps mud from splashing it. Most modern vehicles have fenders on their front wheels.

When you get into a minor car accident, you can call it a "fender bender," and it's possible that your fenders did get slightly dented. Another kind of fender guards or protects a ship, train, or streetcar; in the case of a train, this is also called a "cowcatcher," and it can actually push debris off the track to keep the train from hitting it. This 13th century word is a shortened form of defender.

Definitions of fender
  1. noun
    a barrier that surrounds the wheels of a vehicle to block splashing water or mud
    “in Britain they call a fender a wing”
    synonyms: wing
    see moresee less
    types:
    mudguard, splash guard, splash-guard
    a curved piece above the wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle to protect the rider from water or mud thrown up by the wheels
    type of:
    barrier
    a structure or object that impedes free movement
  2. noun
    a cushion-like device that reduces shock due to an impact
    synonyms: buffer
    see moresee less
    type of:
    device
    an instrumentality invented for a particular purpose
  3. noun
    an inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track
    synonyms: buffer, cowcatcher, pilot
    see moresee less
    type of:
    framework
    a structure supporting or containing something
  4. noun
    a low metal guard to confine falling coals to a hearth
    see moresee less
    type of:
    guard, safety, safety device
    a device designed to prevent injury or accidents
Pronunciation
US
/ˈfɛndər/
UK
/ˈfɛndə/
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