noun
transom
The flat surface across the back of a boat.
The boat's transom provides a sturdy mount for the outboard motor.
Etymology
Transom originally named a crosspiece spanning a structure. Boatbuilding applied that crosswise idea to the structure closing the stern.
More examples
- Water leaks through a crack in the transom.
- These fishing boats have wide transoms.
- She checks the transom for damage before launching the boat.
Forms
transom · transoms
Similar words
- stern
- Names the whole rear end, not just its flat surface.