keel

/kil/

/kil/

Other forms: keeling; keels; keeled

The keel of a boat is the beam that runs the length of the hull — the body of the boat — and can extend vertically into the water to provide stability.

A keel doesn't just refer to the stabilization of boats. When you're on "an even keel," you're stable and steady. On a bird, the keel (or breastbone) enables a bird to fly. On the other hand, if you keel over, you're quite the opposite, since you've just gone crashing to the floor.

Definitions of keel

1. noun

   one of the main longitudinal beams (or plates) of the hull of a vessel; can extend vertically into the water to provide lateral stability
   types:

   bilge keel

   either of two lengthwise fins attached along the outside of a ship's bilge; reduces rolling

   type of:

   beam

   long thick piece of wood or metal or concrete, etc., used in construction
2. noun

   the median ridge on the breastbone of birds that fly
   type of:

   carina

   any of various keel-shaped structures or ridges such as that on the breastbone of a bird or that formed by the fused petals of a pea blossom
3. noun

   a projection or ridge that suggests a keel
   type of:

   projection

   any solid convex shape that juts out from something
4. verb

   walk as if unable to control one's movements
   synonyms: careen, lurch, reel, stagger, swag

   type of:

   walk

   use one's feet to advance; advance by steps