A small, fast sailing ship with a smooth hull made of planks fitted edge-to-edge, used especially by Portuguese explorers.
From Portuguese caravela, possibly with roots in Arabic qarib (swift) or Spanish carabela. The term entered English via maritime trade in the 15th-16th centuries as these revolutionary ships became famous for exploration.
The carvel design was so superior that when European ships encountered Asian and African vessels, the edge-fitted hull gave Europeans the speed advantage that helped them colonize the world—a footnote about wooden planks changed history.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.