Halyards: meaning, definitions and examples
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halyards
[ˈhæljərdz ]
Definition
sailing
Halyards are ropes or tackles used for hoisting and lowering sails, flags, or other objects on a ship.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| halyards |
Typically used in a nautical or sailing context, 'halyards' specifically refer to the ropes used for raising and lowering sails, flags, or yardarms on a sailing vessel.
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| ropes |
A general term for strong, thick cords made of fibers or synthetic materials, used for various purposes such as lifting, pulling, or securing objects. It is not limited to nautical use.
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| lines |
In sailing, 'lines' are general ropes on a boat, but can also be used more broadly to refer to ropes or cables in many different contexts, not strictly nautical.
|
| tackles |
Refers to a system of ropes, pulleys, and blocks used to lift or move heavy loads. It is often used in nautical contexts, but can also apply to mechanical engineering and construction.
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Examples of usage
- The sailors pulled on the halyards to raise the mainsail.
- She tied the flag to the halyard before hoisting it up the mast.
Interesting Facts
Nautical History
- The term originates from Middle English, derived from Old Norse, highlighting the significant maritime culture of Northern Europe.
- Halyards have been used since ancient times in sailing vessels, with evidence of their use found on ships from the Roman Empire.
- In the age of exploration, halyards played a crucial role in the expansion of trade routes across oceans.
Science and Engineering
- Halyards are designed to be strong and lightweight, allowing for the effective management of large sails in varying weather conditions.
- The engineering behind halyards includes the use of different materials, such as synthetic fibers, which improve durability and reduce stretching.
- Raising a sail effectively requires understanding the physics of wind and resistance, making halyards an essential component in sailing dynamics.
Pop Culture
- Halyards appear in many classic maritime novels, often symbolizing adventure and the spirit of exploration.
- In movies about sailing voyages, the sound of a halyard being hoisted often sets the scene of going into the unknown.
- The art of sailing, including the proper use of halyards, has inspired countless songs and sea shanties throughout history.
Literature
- The halyard often symbolizes the tension between human endeavor and nature's unpredictability in maritime literature.
- In Herman Melville's works, references to the halyard highlight the relationship between sailors and their ships, emphasizing teamwork and skill.
- Modern poetry about the sea frequently uses halyards as metaphors for challenges faced and conquered.
Translations
Translations of the word "halyards" in other languages:
🇵🇹 adriças
🇮🇳 पाल उठाने की रस्सी
🇩🇪 Fall
🇮🇩 tali layar
🇺🇦 фали
🇵🇱 fały
🇯🇵 帆綱（ほづな）
🇫🇷 drisses
🇪🇸 drizas
🇹🇷 iskotalar
🇰🇷 하루아리드 (haruareudeu)
🇸🇦 الحبال الرافعة
🇨🇿 stěhové lano
🇸🇰 stěhové lano
🇨🇳 扬帆索 (yángfānsuǒ)
🇸🇮 dvigovalka
🇮🇸 halli
🇰🇿 желкен көтеру арқан
🇬🇪 ჰალარდი
🇦🇿 qaldırma kəndiri
🇲🇽 drizas