wheel-rope

The sailor adjusts the wheel-rope to steer the ship.

Definition

1. Noun (nautical):
   • Steering mechanism rope: "wheel-rope" refers to a rope or line that connects the ship's steering wheel to the rudder, used to control the direction of a vessel. It is part of the steering system on older sailing ships.

Usage Examples

• (The rope connecting the steering wheel to the rudder.)
• (A damaged steering rope poses a safety risk.)

Advanced Usage

• "to haul on the wheel-rope": to adjust or pull the rope to steer the ship.

  • The helmsman hauled on the wheel-rope to turn the vessel to starboard. (He pulled the rope to steer right.)

• "wheel-rope block": a pulley system used with the wheel-rope to reduce friction.

  • The wheel-rope block was greased to ensure smooth operation. (The pulley for the steering rope.)

Variants and Related Words

• Wheel (n): a circular device used for steering a ship or vehicle.

  • He turned the ship's wheel sharply to avoid the iceberg. (The steering wheel.)

• Rope (n): a thick, strong cord made of twisted fibers.

  • The rope snapped under the heavy load. (The cord broke.)

Synonyms

• Steering line: a line used to steer a vessel.
• Tiller rope: a rope connected to the tiller, often synonymous with wheel-rope on smaller boats.

Phrasal Verbs

(None directly associated with "wheel-rope"; it is a compound noun.)

Related Idioms

(None common; "wheel-rope" is a technical term.)