keel
keel Lexical Profile
keel Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The central longitudinal structural member at the bottom of a ship's hull, to which the frames are attached and which provides stability.
"The shipbuilders laid the massive oak keel as the first step in constructing the galleon."
A rigid anatomical structure resembling a ship's keel, such as the prominent ridge on the breastbone of flying birds.
"The large keel on the bird's sternum anchors the powerful flight muscles necessary for migration."
British A flat-bottomed boat or lighter historically used for carrying freight, particularly coal, on rivers.
"Dozens of traditional keels navigated the river, heavily laden with coal destined for the city."
• verb
To fall down or collapse abruptly from exhaustion, illness, or shock.
"After standing in the sweltering heat for three hours, one of the soldiers keeled over onto the pavement."
To capsize or turn upside down (often used of a boat or ship).
"Caught in the sudden squall, the small fishing boat keeled over and threw its crew into the freezing water."
To provide a vessel with a keel.
"The shipwrights decided to keel the new frigate with sturdy imported teak to resist rot."
Word Nuance & Usage
As a verb, it is most frequently used as part of the phrasal verb 'keel over', meaning to suddenly collapse from exhaustion, illness, or fainting.
• Rhymes for keel
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'kele', derived from Old Norse 'kjǫlr', referring to the longitudinal timber at the bottom of a boat.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.