towing line
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- (Nautical) A rope used in towing: A strong line or cable specifically designed and used for pulling or drawing a vessel, vehicle, or object through water or over land.
Usage
- The primary and specific use of "towing line" is in nautical and maritime contexts to refer to the rope or cable that connects a towing vessel to the vessel or object being towed.
- It is a compound noun where "towing" functions as an adjective describing the type of line.
Examples
- Noun:
- The crew secured the towing line to the barge's bow cleat.
- During the rescue operation, a heavy-duty towing line was attached to the disabled ship.
- Always inspect the towing line for wear and tear before use.
Advanced Usage
- "To pay out the towing line": To let out or release more length of the towing rope.
- The tugboat captain ordered the crew to pay out the towing line to reduce strain.
- "To take a strain on the towing line": To begin pulling so that tension is applied to the line.
- The tug began to take a strain on the towing line, slowly moving the freighter.
Variants and Related Words
- Towline (n): A direct synonym for "towing line."
- Towrope (n): Another synonym, often used interchangeably, though sometimes implying a slightly less heavy-duty line than a cable.
- Hawser (n): A thick rope or cable for mooring or towing a ship. A hawser can serve as a towing line.
- Cable (n): In modern contexts, a towing line may be a steel cable rather than a fiber rope.
Synonyms
- Towline
- Towrope
- Hauling line (in a broader, non-exclusively nautical context)
Related Phrases
- Under tow: The state of being pulled by a towing line.
- The damaged yacht was under tow back to the harbor.
- Cast off the tow: To release or detach the towing line.
- Once in calm waters, they cast off the tow.
Noun
- (nautical) a rope used in towing