KEEL


Meaning of KEEL in English

~ 1

■ noun

1》 a lengthwise structure along the base of a ship, in some vessels extended downwards as a ridge to increase stability.

2》 Zoology a central ridge along the back or convex surface of an organ or structure.

3》 Botany a prow-shaped pair of petals present in flowers of the pea family.

■ verb ( ~ over )

1》 (of a boat or ship) turn over on its side; capsize.

2》 fall over.

Derivatives

~ed adjective

~less adjective

Origin

ME: from ON kjỏlr , of Gmc origin.

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~ 2

■ noun Brit. a flat-bottomed boat of a kind formerly used on the Rivers Tyne and Wear for loading coal-transporting ships.

Origin

ME: from Mid. Low Ger. kēl , MDu. kiel 'ship, boat'.

Concise Oxford English vocab.      Сжатый оксфордский словарь английского языка.