keel

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a projection or ridge that suggests a keel
  2. noun the median ridge on the breastbone of birds that fly
  3. 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

Etymology

From Middle English kele, from Old Norse kjǫlr, itself from Proto-Germanic *keluz, of uncertain origin. Displaced Old English ċēol from a related root. Distantly related to kile.

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