noun
keel
KEEL/kiːl/
The main structural beam along the bottom of a boat.
The boat's keel runs along the bottom of its hull.
Etymology
Probably from a Scandinavian word like Old Norse kjölr, this names the boat's principal bottom timber. Its position underlies 'on an even keel': level, and figuratively stable.
In context
putting huge weights at the extreme ends of the ship which meant it had a natural tendency to droop at each end these downward forces put extraordinary stress on the keel
More examples
- The boatbuilder fastens the ribs to the keel.
- An inspection reveals a crack in the boat's keel.
- Both boats have sturdy wooden keels.
Forms
keel · keels
Similar words
- beam
- A broader structural term, not limited to a boat's bottom.
- backbone
- A figurative name for the keel emphasizing its supporting role.