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Glite Dictionary
mizzenmast

mizzenmast

2 9.9
A tall pole at the back of a sailing ship that holds sails, usually the third
  • noun
  • /ˈmɪzənˌmæst/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mástil de mesana
  • He pointed out the damage on the mizzenmast that needed immediate repairs.

Examples

  • A new signal flies up Victory's Mizenmast engage the enemy more closely.

  • KITTY, BABE, COME UP HERE AND JUMP ON THIS MIZZENMAST.

    Captain Ron (1992)

  • -You take the mizzenmast, Byam.

    Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

  • You'll take the mizzenmast, Mr. Byam.

    Mutiny on the Bounty (1935)

  • Raise the mizzenmast.

    The Avengers (2012)

  • Han had to lie down flat on the deck to fit behind the boom and furled sail of the mizzenmast.

    Fiction book (1992)

  • The flag of danger was then raised atop the mizzenmast; from the foremast, the flag of resignation flew in the face of evil.

    Academic text (2007)

  • The sailor climbed the mizzenmast to get a better view of the approaching storm.

  • The crew worked together to adjust the sails on the mizzenmast during the rough seas.

Synonyms

mizzen
vsmizzenmast
  • Specialized
2 9.9

The mast near the back of a ship, usually the third from the front

is the aft-most mast on ships with three or more masts not stressing size
mizen
vsmizzenmast
  • Specialized
9.9

A shorter mast near the back of a sailing ship, often the third from the front

is the aft-most mast on ships with three or more masts without implying shortness

Surface Forms

mizzenmast singular
mizzenmasts plural

Morphology

mizzenmast = mizzen + mast (semi-transparent) = mizzen + mast

Formally a compound of 'mizzen' and 'mast' so the structure is clear, but 'mizzen' is a specialized nautical term that many learners will not know.

Etymology

Mizzenmast comes from an old word meaning 'middle' (the same root as median). That's why the mizzenmast is the 'in-between' or rear mast behind the mainmast on a three-masted ship.