anchor chain
Noun: - The chain or rope that attaches an anchor to a vessel: A physical connector, typically made of heavy metal links or strong rope, that secures an anchor to a ship or boat, allowing the anchor to be lowered and retrieved.
The term "anchor chain" specifically refers to the connecting component in a vessel's anchoring system. It is a compound noun where "anchor" functions as a modifier describing the type of "chain."
- The sailors inspected the anchor chain for signs of rust before the long voyage.
- A loud rattling sound came from the bow as the anchor chain was let out.
- The force of the storm tested the strength of the ship's anchor chain.
- "To pay out the anchor chain": To release or let out the chain from the vessel.
- The captain ordered the crew to pay out more anchor chain to hold in the deep water.
- "Anchor chain locker": The storage compartment on a ship where the anchor chain is stowed.
- After weighing anchor, the chain was neatly stowed in the anchor chain locker.
- Anchor rode (n): A more general term that can refer to the anchor chain, rope (line), or a combination of both used to connect the anchor to the vessel.
- For a small boat, a nylon rope is often used as an anchor rode instead of a chain.
- Mooring chain (n): A heavy chain used to permanently moor a vessel to a dock or a buoy, distinct from a temporary anchoring system.
- Anchor cable: A formal or technical synonym for the chain or rope connecting the anchor to the ship.
- Anchor line: Often used when the connector is specifically made of rope or cable, rather than chain.
(Note: As a compound noun, "anchor chain" itself is not typically used in phrasal verb constructions. Related actions involve the verbs used with it.) - To slip the anchor chain: To release the anchor chain quickly or deliberately, often in an emergency. - They had to slip the anchor chain to avoid colliding with the rocks.
(Note: There are no common idioms centered on the term "anchor chain." Idioms typically use the word "anchor" metaphorically, such as "to anchor a team" meaning to provide stability.)
- the chain or rope that attaches an anchor to a vessel