fore-and-aft sail
- noun
- Specialized
:
vela de proa a popa
- Unlike traditional square sails, the fore-and-aft sail allows for better maneuverability.
Examples
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The yacht was equipped with a large fore-and-aft sail to increase its speed.
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Many yachts use fore-and-aft sails for better maneuverability.
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The skipper explained the advantages of using a fore-and-aft sail in changing wind conditions.
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The boat was equipped with a fore-and-aft sail.
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The sailor expertly adjusted the fore-and-aft sail to catch the wind and increase their speed.
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To optimize their journey, the crew hoisted the fore-and-aft sail, allowing the boat to glide smoothly over the waves.
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During the regatta, the team preferred using a fore-and-aft sail because it provided better maneuverability.
Synonyms
1
9.9
A small sail fixed to a rope between two masts to help move the boat
1
9.9
A sail set on the rear mast that runs front to back
A four-sided sail set along the boat with its top held by a sloping pole
A triangular sail fixed to a horizontal pole near the top of a mast to catch wind
Surface Forms
Morphology
fore-and-aft + sail
The compound signals orientation: 'fore' (front) + 'aft' (rear) indicates something running from front to back, and combined with 'sail' yields a sail set along the length of the ship. This compositional, spatial meaning follows ordinary English compounding and is readily inferable by learners who know the constituent words, so it is transparent.
Etymology
Fore-and-aft sail comes from the way the sail sits on a boat: fore means 'front' and aft means 'back', so the sail runs along the boat from front to back rather than across it. That's why this sail lets a boat move faster and turn more easily.