A small hatch or opening at the rear of a ship or aircraft used for loading, unloading, or ventilation.
Compound of 'back' (rear) and 'hatch' (an opening with a cover), both Old English in origin. The term emerged in maritime and aviation contexts to describe rear access points.
Ships and planes need multiple ways to move cargo and people, so builders put hatches everywhere—but the ones at the back were handy for accessing less-visited areas without disrupting the main deck.
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