Definition

1. Noun:
   • A nonmagnetic housing for a ship's compass: A protective case, typically made of wood or brass, that holds a ship's compass. It is usually located in front of the ship's helm to shield the compass from magnetic interference and the elements.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The captain checked the compass in the binnacle before altering course.
  • The old ship's brass binnacle was beautifully polished.

Advanced Usage

• "Binnacle list": (Historical/Nautical) A term for the ship's sick list. The name originated because the list was sometimes posted on or near the binnacle.
  • Several crew members were on the binnacle list with fever.

Variants and Related Words

• Binnacle lamp: A light fitted to the binnacle to illuminate the compass at night.
  • The binnacle lamp cast a soft glow on the compass card.

Synonyms

• Compass housing: A general term for a protective case for a compass.
• Compass stand: Refers to the structure supporting the compass and its housing.

Notes

• The binnacle is a critical piece of nautical equipment designed specifically to protect the magnetic compass from stray magnetic fields that could be caused by the ship's own metal, such as iron or steel, ensuring accurate navigation.

Noun

1. a nonmagnetic housing for a ship's compass (usually in front of the helm)