Bilged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bilged
[bɪlʤd ]
Definition
nautical situation
Bilged refers to a situation in maritime contexts where water has entered the hull of a ship or boat, causing it to partially or completely sink. This can happen due to damage, leaks, or improper maintenance. When a vessel is bilged, it is often in a state of distress and requires immediate attention to prevent capsizing. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe being overwhelmed or submerged in a non-literal sense.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The ship bilged during the storm, taking on water and listing heavily.
- After hitting the submerged rock, the vessel bilged and began to take on water.
- The crew worked quickly to pump out the bilged water and save the ship.
- If the tugboat had known the load was too heavy, it wouldn't have bilged.
- In the chaos of the accident, the yacht bilged and started sinking.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Maritime Terminology
- The term 'bilged' refers to a situation where a ship takes in water, leading to instability.
- A bilge is the lowest part of a ship where water collects, and if it's not pumped out, it can cause serious problems.
- Bilging often requires immediate action to prevent sinking, showcasing the importance of proper boat maintenance and safety.
Historical Context
- Throughout history, ships have collided with ice or grounded themselves, leading to bilging and prompting advancements in hull design.
- The Titanic famously had bilging issues after hitting an iceberg, highlighting the need for better safety regulations in maritime travel.
- Nautical charts and training for sailors have evolved to address and prevent bilged situations on vessels.
Environmental Impact
- Bilged water can often contain pollutants, which raises concerns about marine ecosystems if not carefully managed.
- Proper bilge management is crucial to prevent oil spills and protect ocean life from toxic substances.
- There are regulations in place to ensure boats treat or properly dispose of bilged water to maximize environmental safety.
Literature and Media
- In maritime literature, bilged ships are often referenced as symbols of disaster, mirroring struggles against nature.
- Movies about maritime adventures frequently include scenes of ships getting bilged to create tension and challenges for heroes.
- Famous novels set at sea portray the dire consequences of not addressing bilged situations in the narrative.
Technology
- Modern technology has led to advanced bilge pumps that automatically remove excess water, increasing vessel safety.
- Smart sensors now alert crews to potential bilging problems before they become critical, showcasing how technology aids traditional sailing.
- Shipbuilding innovations have resulted in designs that minimize the risk of bilging due to enhanced floatation and stability.
Origin of 'bilged'
The term 'bilged' originates from the noun 'bilge', which refers to the lowest compartment of a ship's hull where water collects. The word 'bilge' is derived from the Middle English 'bilge', which comes from Old French 'bilge', meaning 'the part of a ship'. The concept of bilging relates to the mechanics of shipbuilding and navigation; as ships were designed to be watertight, any breach leading to water in the bilge indicates significant issues. Historical accounts of naval disasters frequently mention the bilge as a critical area to monitor, especially in adverse weather or battle. Over time, 'bilged' became a specific term to describe when a vessel suffers from such misfortune, encapsulating both the physical state and the urgency required to rectify the situation.