head sea
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A sea in which the waves are moving directly opposite to the direction a ship is traveling. This creates conditions where the vessel meets the oncoming waves head-on, which can make for a rough, slow, and potentially difficult passage.
Usage
- The term is used specifically in nautical and maritime contexts to describe sea conditions relative to a vessel's heading.
- It is a technical term often found in sailing reports, navigation logs, and maritime literature.
Examples
- Noun:
- The ship's progress was severely hampered by a fierce head sea.
- Sailing into a head sea requires careful handling of the helm to prevent pounding.
- The captain altered course slightly to reduce the impact of the head sea.
Advanced Usage
- "To take a head sea": A phrase describing a ship's action of meeting or encountering waves from directly ahead.
- The sturdy vessel was built to take a head sea without issue.
Variants and Related Words
- Following sea (n): A sea in which the waves are moving in the same direction as the ship.
- Beam sea (n): A sea in which the waves are moving perpendicular to the ship's course, hitting it from the side.
- Headwind (n): A wind blowing from directly in front of a moving vessel or vehicle. While related to difficult travel conditions, this refers specifically to wind, not waves.
Synonyms
- Adverse sea: A general term for sea conditions that hinder a vessel's progress.
- Contrary sea: A sea moving against the ship's intended direction.
Antonyms
- Following sea: A sea moving in the same direction as the ship.
- Fair sea: A sea that is calm or favorable for the ship's course.
Noun
- a sea in which the waves are running directly against the course of the ship