Definition

1. Noun:
   • A nautical rope ladder: A hanging ladder made of ropes or chains with wooden or metal rungs, used on ships.
   • A flowering plant: A European perennial plant (Polemonium caeruleum) with bright blue or white flowers and leaves that resemble a ladder.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Nautical):

  • The sailor climbed the Jacob's ladder to board the ship from the small boat.
  • The old schooner had a Jacob's ladder hanging down its side.

• Noun (Botany):

  • We planted Jacob's ladder in the shady part of the garden for its beautiful blue flowers.
  • The Jacob's ladder is known for its distinctive ladder-like leaf arrangement.

Advanced Usage

• Biblical Allusion: The term originates from the biblical story of Jacob, who dreamt of a ladder reaching to heaven (Genesis 28:12). This is the primary cultural reference.
  • The painting depicted Jacob's vision of the Jacob's ladder with angels ascending and descending.

Variants and Related Words

• Polemonium caeruleum: The scientific/Latin name for the Jacob's ladder plant.
• Charity (plant): A common name for a similar plant (), sometimes confused with Jacob's ladder.
• Rope ladder: A general term for a ladder made of rope, of which a Jacob's ladder is a specific nautical type.

Synonyms

• Nautical context: Rope ladder, ship's ladder, accommodation ladder (though this last one is often more rigid).
• Botanical context: Greek valerian (a common name for ).

Related Phrases

• "Climb a Jacob's ladder": Can be used metaphorically to describe a difficult or steep ascent, alluding to the challenging vertical rope ladder.
  • Getting that promotion felt like climbing a Jacob's ladder.

Related Idioms

• "Jacob's ladder" as a metaphor: Often used to symbolize a connection between earth and heaven, or a difficult path to a higher state.
  • For the aspiring artist, mastering the craft was her Jacob's ladder to recognition.

Noun

1. (nautical) a hanging ladder of ropes or chains supporting wooden or metal rungs or steps
2. pinnate-leaved European perennial having bright blue or white flowers