sail-arm

The windmill's sail-arm turns slowly in the breeze.

Definition

Noun:
- Part of a windmill: "sail-arm" refers to one of the four arms (or vanes) of a traditional windmill, to which the sails are attached. It is the structural beam that extends from the central hub and supports the sailcloth or slats.

Usage Examples

Advanced Usage

"to have a sail-arm": to possess or be equipped with such an arm.
- This historic windmill still has all four original sail-arms. (The windmill retains its complete set of structural arms.)
"sail-arm mechanism": the system of arms and sails that converts wind energy into rotational motion.
- The sail-arm mechanism was designed to be adjustable for wind speed. (The system of arms and sails could be modified.)

Variants and Related Words

Sail (n): a piece of material extended on a mast to catch the wind and propel a boat or ship; also, the canvas or cloth on a windmill's arm.
- The windmill's sail was torn in the gale. (The cloth attached to the sail-arm was damaged.)
Arm (n): a projecting part of a machine or structure; in a windmill, the horizontal beam supporting the sail.
- The arm of the windmill creaked as it turned. (The structural beam made a noise.)

Synonyms

Vane: a flat surface that rotates in the wind, as on a windmill or weathercock.
Blade: a thin, flat part of a machine, such as a windmill's rotating arm.
Sweep: the rotating arm of a windmill (less common).

Related Idioms

"to tilt at windmills": to fight imaginary enemies or engage in futile battles (from Don Quixote attacking windmills, mistaking their sail-arms for giants).
- He is always tilting at windmills, arguing about minor rules. (He fights pointless battles, like attacking the sail-arms of a windmill.)
"sail-arm of a dream": a poetic metaphor for a fragile or visionary plan (rare).
- Her hope was like a sail-arm of a dream, easily broken. (Her ambition was as delicate as a windmill part.)