adj., n., & v.
--adj.
1. oblique, slanting, set askew.
2 Math. a lying in three dimensions (skew curve). b (of lines) not coplanar. c (of a statistical distribution) not symmetrical.
--n.
1. a slant.
2 Statistics skewness.
--v.
1. tr. make skew.
2 tr. distort.
3 intr. move obliquely.
4 intr. twist.
Phrases and idioms:
on the skew askew. skew arch (or bridge) an arch (or bridge) with the line of the arch not at right angles to the abutment. skew chisel a chisel with an oblique edge. skew-eyed Brit. squinting. skew gear a gear consisting of two cog-wheels having non-parallel, non-intersecting axes. skew-whiff Brit. colloq. askew.
Derivatives:
skewness n.
Etymology: ONF eskiu(w)er (v.) OF eschuer: see ESCHEW