Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a keel or ridge: Describes an object, structure, or natural feature that possesses a prominent central ridge or a shape resembling the keel of a ship.
   • Carinate: A technical term in biology and botany, meaning shaped like or having a keel or ridge.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • The keeled hull of the boat cut smoothly through the water.
  • Botanists noted the plant's keeled sepals, which are a key identifying feature.
  • The dinosaur's keeled breastbone suggested it was a strong flier.

Advanced Usage

• "Keeled over": This is a phrasal verb (from the verb 'keel') meaning to fall over suddenly, often due to fainting or loss of balance. It is not an adjective form.
  • After standing in the sun for hours, he keeled over from heat exhaustion.

Variants and Related Words

• Keel (noun): The central structural base or ridge running along the bottom of a ship or boat.
  • The ship's keel was damaged on the rocks.
• Keel (verb): To turn over or capsize.
  • The small craft keeled in the strong wind.
• Carinate (adjective): A synonym, especially in scientific contexts, meaning keeled or ridge-shaped.
  • The carinate sternum is common in many bird species.

Synonyms

• Ridged: Having a long, narrow raised section.
• Carinate: (Technical) Keel-shaped.
• Arrised: (Architecture) Having an arris or edge.

Related Phrasal Verbs (from the verb 'keel')

• Keel over: To fall over sideways or collapse.
  • The old fence finally keeled over in the storm.

Related Idioms

• On an even keel: In a stable, steady, or balanced condition. (This idiom uses the noun 'keel' metaphorically).
  • After a turbulent period, her life is finally back on an even keel.

Adjective

1. having a ridge or shaped like a ridge or suggesting the keel of a ship
   • a carinate sepal