turning circle

plural turning circles

1. automotiveThe circular path formed by the wheel furthest from the centre of the turn when turning to the maximum extent.

   1 more example

   But the horse has left his mark, for his successor is a mechanical horse designed to a large extent to copy the leading characteristics of the live horse; easy attachment to or detachment from its load, a small turning circle, a small appetite for petrol, but giving a much higher acceleration and speed, and so capable of much greater distances, so that fewer cartage units are required.

   1944 November and December, T. F. Cameron, “Motor and Cartage Working”, in Railway Magazine, page 335

2. nauticalThe path followed by a vessel’s center of gravity when it makes a complete turn of 360° with a consistent rudder angle. (FM 55-501)
3. A place where a vehicle can turn and face in the opposite direction.