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Keel for Dummies

verb

pronunciation: kil

What does Keel really mean?

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Keel is a word that refers to the central structural beam of a ship or boat that extends from the bow (the front) to the stern (the back) along the bottom of the vessel. It is really important for a ship's stability and balance, acting as a foundation for the rest of the structure. Imagine the keel as the backbone of a ship, just like we have our backbone to keep us upright and balanced.

The keel serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it helps to prevent the ship from rolling over in rough seas. You see, when a ship sails through choppy waters, it can be prone to rocking from side to side, and the weight of the keel helps to counterbalance this motion, keeping the ship steady and upright. Secondly, the keel also provides a base for the other components of the ship, enabling them to be securely attached. It acts as an anchor point for things like the hull (the main body of the ship), the mast (the tall vertical pole that holds the sails), and the rudder (a device used to steer the ship). Without a stable keel, the ship's structure would be weakened, and it would be harder for sailors to control the vessel.

Moreover, the term "keel" can also be used in a more general sense to describe the bottom or underside of something, not just a ship. For example, we can say that a bird's keel is the pointed part of its breastbone, which helps to strengthen its wings for flying. Similarly, in plants, the keel can refer to the central ridge or protrusion on the underside of a flower. It gives the flower support and strength, just like the keel gives strength to a ship.

So, to sum it up, "keel" means the central structural beam of a ship or boat that runs along the bottom, serving as a foundation for stability, balance, and attachment of other ship components. It can also refer to the underside or bottom structure of other things, such as a bird's breastbone or a flower's protrusion. Just remember, like our backbone keeps us standing tall, a ship's keel keeps it sailing steady.

Revised and Fact checked by Patricia Williams on 2023-10-29 07:41:11

Keel In a sentece

Learn how to use Keel inside a sentece

  • A keel is the backbone of a boat or ship. It helps to keep the boat stable in the water.
  • When a boat keels over, it leans to one side because of a strong wind or a heavy load.
  • The keel of an airplane is a long, flat structure on the bottom that helps to keep it steady during flight.
  • In some birds, like penguins, the keel is a ridge on the breastbone that helps with swimming and diving.
  • The large, triangular fin on the underside of a whale's body is called a keel, and it helps with steering and stability.

Keel Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Keel Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Keel Hyponyms

Words that are more specific than the original word.

Keel Holonyms

The larger whole to which this word belongs.

Keel Meronyms

Words that are part of the original word.