Luff: meaning, definitions and examples
โต
luff
[ lสf ]
sailing
To luff is the sailing term that describes the action of turning a sailboat's bow into the wind. This maneuver is often performed to reduce speed and change direction. When a boat is luffed, the sails will flutter and lose their power as the wind comes directly into them. This technique is crucial for sailors, especially during races, as it can help in positioning the boat efficiently in relation to the wind and other vessels.
Synonyms
head up, turn into the wind
Examples of usage
- The captain ordered the crew to luff as they approached the mark.
- He luffed the sails to avoid colliding with the other boat.
- To gain an advantage, she decided to luff and take a different tack.
- The wind shifted unexpectedly, forcing us to luff quickly.
weather
In meteorological contexts, luff can refer to the action of clouds or conditions deploying themselves in a certain way, typically moving toward a more favorable situation for weather-related observations. It's less commonly used than the sailing definition but can be relevant in discussing atmospheric dynamics.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The storm clouds began to luff as the pressure fell.
- The frontal system will luff, bringing changes in the weather patterns.
- As the temperature drops, the clouds may luff, indicating a shift.
- We observed how the humidity would luff with the changing winds.
Translations
Translations of the word "luff" in other languages:
๐ต๐น luff
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฒเคซ
๐ฉ๐ช Luv
๐ฎ๐ฉ luff
๐บ๐ฆ ะปัั
๐ต๐ฑ luff
๐ฏ๐ต ใฉใ
๐ซ๐ท luff
๐ช๐ธ luff
๐น๐ท luff
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฌํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ููู
๐จ๐ฟ luff
๐ธ๐ฐ luff
๐จ๐ณ ๆๅคซ
๐ธ๐ฎ luff
๐ฎ๐ธ luff
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะปัั
๐ฌ๐ช แแฃแค
๐ฆ๐ฟ luff
๐ฒ๐ฝ luff
Word origin
The word 'luff' originates from Middle English, evolving from the Old Norse term 'luf', meaning 'to turn'. This nautical term has been in use since at least the 16th century when sailing terminology began to establish itself more formally in maritime English. The connection to wind and sailing likely provided the framework for its usage in closely observing and manipulating the sails of a ship. As sailing techniques evolved, so too did the language surrounding them, incorporating 'luff' as a technical term crucial to navigating ships efficiently. Over time, the term has maintained its relevance in both competitive sailing and casual boating, becoming a staple for any sailor's vocabulary.