Forebody

/ˈfɔrbɑdi/ noun

Definition

The front or forward part of a ship's hull, or the front section of an animal's body.

Etymology

Compound word from Old English 'fore-' (before, front) + 'body.' Used primarily in nautical terminology since the 16th century to describe the hull section forward of the midship.

Kelly Says

Ship designers obsess over forebody shape because it's the first part to push through water and create wave resistance—get this wrong and your ship wastes enormous amounts of fuel. Dolphins have perfect foreodies, which is why they're so efficient swimmers.

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