Mudguard

Mudguard

Noun · /ˈmʌd.ɡɑːd/

Definition

A curved strip of metal or plastic over a wheel of a vehicle (bicycle, motorcycle, car) that prevents mud and water from being thrown upward by the wheel; the American English equivalent being fender for cars, mudflap for large vehicles.

Origin

A compound of mud (from Middle English mudde, from Middle Low German or Middle Dutch modde, mudde: mud, mire) + guard (from Old French garder, from Germanic *wardōn: to guard, watch over). The mudguard being a functional component protecting the vehicle, rider, and following vehicles from being splattered with mud and water. The term mudguard being used for bicycles and motorcycles, while wing is used for the car equivalent in British English and fender in American English.