Centreboard (noun)
Definition: A centreboard is a type of fin or keel that can be pulled up or down on a sailboat. It helps the boat stay upright and prevents it from drifting sideways (to the leeward side) when the wind is blowing.
Usage Instructions: - Use "centreboard" when talking about sailing or boats, especially in discussions about boat design or sailing techniques. - It is often used in contexts related to sailing sports or recreational boating.
Example Sentence: - "Before we set sail, make sure to lower the centreboard to help stabilize the boat."
Advanced Usage: In more advanced discussions, you might encounter terms like "retractable centreboard" which refers to a centreboard that can be moved up and down easily, allowing for better maneuverability in shallow waters.
Word Variants: - The term "centreboard" can also be spelled as "centerboard" in American English. Both spellings refer to the same concept.
Different Meanings: The word "centreboard" is quite specific to sailing and does not have many different meanings outside this context. However, in casual conversation, "board" can refer to a flat piece of material, like a board used in games or construction.
Synonyms: - Keel (though a keel is a broader term and can refer to different types of stabilizing structures on boats) - Fin (in specific contexts related to boat design)
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "centreboard," but you might hear phrases like "to set sail," which means to begin a journey by boat.
Overall, "centreboard" is an important term in sailing that refers to a key component of a sailboat's design.