Afterrake

/ˈæftərˌreɪk/ noun

Definition

In shipbuilding, the backward angle or slant of a ship's stern relative to a vertical line through the keel.

Etymology

Compound of 'after' and 'rake' (origin uncertain, possibly from Scandinavian languages). This nautical architecture term has been used since the 1600s.

Kelly Says

The afterrake of a ship's hull is both artistic and functional—a ship with more afterrake looks elegant and dangerous (like a sleek predator), but it also affects water flow and speed in specific ways that designers carefully calculate.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.