Slews

Slews is a term with several related meanings in language and engineering. In ordinary use, it functions as the plural of slew, meaning a large number or quantity, as in a slew of tasks. In technical contexts, slews describe rotation or the ability to rotate, particularly about a vertical axis, and the mechanisms that achieve that motion.

As a noun meaning a large number, countable examples include phrases like “a slew of problems” or “a slew of options.” This usage is informal but widespread in English to convey abundance or variety.

As a verb, to slew means to turn or rotate, especially on a vertical axis. The past tense is typically slew or slued, depending on regional preference. The present participle slewing is commonly used to describe ongoing rotation, as in a machine slewing to a new orientation.

In engineering, slewing refers to the capability of a structure or mechanism to rotate. Slewing bearings, also called slewing rings, are large bearings that allow a platform to rotate relative to a base while supporting axial and radial loads. Slew drives combine a motor with a slewing bearing to produce controlled rotational motion. Applications include cranes and other construction machinery, excavators, radar and satellite dishes, solar trackers, and robotics. The term covers both the rotating component and the action of rotating in these systems, as in “the upper structure slews with the load.”