keel etymology

Etymology:

The word "keel" comes from the Middle English word "kele," which is derived from the Old Norse word "kjölr," meaning "ship's bottom." The Old Norse word is cognate with the Gothic word "kilius," meaning "ship."

Meaning:

A keel is the central structural element of a ship's hull. It provides the ship with stability and strength and forms the base on which the rest of the hull is built. The keel's shape and design are critical for a ship's performance, including its speed, maneuverability, and resistance to capsizing.

Origin:

The first known use of keels on ships dates back to ancient Egypt, where they were used on large sailing ships. Keels were also used on Viking longships, which were particularly well-suited for long sea voyages due to their deep keels that provided excellent stability.

Over time, the design of keels evolved as ships became larger and more technologically advanced. Today, there are various types of keels used on different types of ships, including:

• Bulb keels: Used on high-performance sailing yachts to reduce drag
• Fin keels: Used on smaller sailing boats to provide stability
• Flat keels: Used on barges and other vessels that require a shallow draft
• Skeg keels: Used on motorboats to protect the propeller from damage

keel relate terms

• cool

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• keelhaul

  Etymology Middle English keellhulen from Middle Dutch kielhalen literally drag ove

• keelson

  Etymology From Middle English kelson from Old English celson from Proto Germanic _ku

• stagger

  Etymology Middle English stagren staggeren staggern from Old English stagrian sta

• careen

  Etymology The word careen comes from the Old French word carene which is derived fr

• hull

  Etymology The word hull comes from the Middle English word hulle which in turn come

• building

  Etymology Derived from the Old English word byldan meaning to build construct

• deadwood

  Etymology Deadwood is a term that originated in the American Old West Meaning Ori

• projection

  Etymology The word projection comes from the Latin word proiectus which means to th

• lurch

  Etymology Late 18th century probably related to lurch a nautical term from the 16th c