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keel

keel

7 7.4
A long beam along the bottom of a ship that gives the ship strength and stability
  • noun
  • /kiːl/
  • Specialized
: quilla
  • The sailor inspected the keel to ensure it was sturdy and free from damage.
  • foot-long keel
  • ship's keel

So, you know, now things are back on on an even keel after all this tragedy.

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Examples

  • The garboard plank was wrenching away from the keel, and the sea was overwhelming the pumps.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • So you need to go through the deck to get to the keel.

  • The gunwale and keel are definitely safe.

  • Meanwhile, in Kobe, Japan, we have laid the keel for a new, much larger vessel.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • Another distinctive feature dating the ship is the single limber hole above the keel.

    Academic text (2010)
  • By the end of January, workers had laid keels on all six of the slipways.

    Academic text (2009)
  • "I was there when they laid the keel of the Nereus," he snapped, anger dancing in his hazel eyes.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • So heavily laden that it's keel scrapes a few sandbars, the ship floats downstream to the sea.

  • A strong keel is essential for keeping the ship stable in rough waters.

  • The ship's keel provides the necessary support for its entire structure.

Synonyms

fin keel
vskeel
  • Specialized
1 7.9

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

is a long central beam along the hull giving structure rather than only lateral resistance
bilge keel
vskeel
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A long narrow fin on a ship's hull that reduces rolling

is the main internal beam along the hull giving strength and stability
drop keel
vskeel
  • Specialized
8.3

A fin under a sailboat that you raise or lower to stop the boat sliding sideways

is a fixed long support along the hull rather than a movable drift stopper

Idioms

5 8.2

In a stable state after problems

In a steady, calm state and working smoothly

1 7.7

Not steady in your body or feelings

Compounds

even keel
  • Informal
9 5.3

A calm, steady state after a time of trouble

fin keel
  • Specialized
1 7.9

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

keel arch
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A pointed arch with S-shaped curves on each side like a ship's bottom

bilge keel
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A long narrow fin on a ship's hull that reduces rolling

drop keel
  • Specialized
8.3

A fin under a sailboat that you raise or lower to stop the boat sliding sideways

sliding keel
  • Specialized
8.1

A fin under a sailboat that moves up and down to reduce sideways drift

How Thick

keel
  • Specialized
7 7.4
beam
78 2.7
wale
  • Archaic
1 9.9
plank
61 1.7
board
366 1.0

Surface Forms

keel singular
keels plural

Etymology

Keel comes from an old English word cēol meaning 'small ship' or the bottom part of a boat. Think of a long beam under the hull that keeps the ship steady and gives it strength.