runway
n. countable B1 Intermediate US //ˈɹənˌweɪ// UK //ɹˈʌnweɪ// run·way
n. a long, flat road where planes take off and land. It can also mean the long stage that models walk on during a fashion show.
n. a paved or cleared strip on which aircraft land and take off; also, a narrow platform extending from a stage into an audience, used for fashion displays.
The plane waited on the runway for ten minutes.
The pilot carefully aligned the aircraft with the runway lights during the heavy rainstorm.
As the first model stepped onto the runway, the flashing lights and rhythmic music transformed the industrial warehouse into a high-fashion venue.
From run + way.
Usage
Commonly used in aviation contexts or the fashion industry; in finance, it refers to the amount of time a company has before it runs out of cash.