fin keel

7.9

A metal piece under a boat that keeps it from moving sideways

noun

Specialized

: quille de aleta

The yacht's fin keel gives it exceptional stability in choppy waters.

Examples

Many modern sailboats use a fin keel instead of a full-length one for improved maneuverability.
Many racing yachts are designed with a fin keel for better performance.
He inspected the fin keel for any damage before launching the vessel.
The boat's fin keel helps it stay upright.
Many modern sailboats use a fin keel instead of a full-length one for improved maneuverability.
The yacht's fin keel gives it exceptional stability in choppy waters.
Many racing yachts are designed with a fin keel for better performance.

Synonyms

keel

vsfin keel

Specialized

6 7.4

A long beam along the bottom of a ship that gives the ship strength and stability

is a vertical plate projecting downward to give lateral stability

How Stable

keel

Specialized

6 7.4

fin keel

Specialized

7.9

bilge keel

Specialized

9.9

centerboard

Specialized

1 7.4

Surface Forms

fin keel singular

fin keels plural

Morphology

fin + keel

The term is compositional: 'fin' (a projecting element) modifies 'keel' (the ship's principal longitudinal plate), so the meaning — a fin-like projection attached to the keel providing lateral stability — is directly derivable from the constituents. Though somewhat technical, the compound follows normal English noun–noun compounding and has clear parallels in other languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Fin keel combines fin (like a fish fin) and keel (the bottom part of a boat). This thin metal plate under the hull works like a fin in the water to stop the boat from sliding sideways, so it gives the boat more 'stability' and makes turning easier.