Davit: meaning, definitions and examples

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davit

 

[ ˈdævɪt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

nautical equipment

A davit is a type of beam which is used to raise and lower a lifeboat or other cargo. It is often utilized on ships and boats for the safe and efficient handling of smaller vessels or equipment. Davits can come in various forms and can be manually operated or hydraulically powered. They are critical for maritime safety, ensuring that lifesaving equipment can be swiftly deployed in emergencies.

Synonyms

crane, hoist

Examples of usage

  • The crew used the davit to lower the lifeboat into the water.
  • Maintenance on the davits was required to ensure their functionality.
  • Each ship must have properly functioning davits as part of safety regulations.

Translations

Translations of the word "davit" in other languages:

🇵🇹 davit

🇮🇳 डेविट

🇩🇪 Davit

🇮🇩 Davit

🇺🇦 Давид

🇵🇱 Dawid

🇯🇵 ダビデ

🇫🇷 David

🇪🇸 David

🇹🇷 Davut

🇰🇷 다윗

🇸🇦 داود

🇨🇿 David

🇸🇰 Dávid

🇨🇳 大卫

🇸🇮 David

🇮🇸 Davíð

🇰🇿 Давид

🇬🇪 დავითი

🇦🇿 Davit

🇲🇽 David

Word origin

The word 'davit' is derived from Middle English 'davit', which itself comes from the Anglo-French word 'davit', probably a diminutive of 'dave', meaning 'to support'. This term has maritime roots, appearing in nautical contexts from the late 15th century. As ships evolved, the use of davits became essential for safely launching and retrieving lifeboats, especially during emergencies. The design has continued to adapt over the years, leading to more sophisticated and efficient mechanisms for handling marine equipment. Its importance in maritime safety is well recognized, with regulations often governing the specifications and maintenance of davits on vessels.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,109 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.