Luffed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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luffed
[lʌft ]
Definition
sailing terminology
To luff means to turn the bow of a sailing vessel into the wind. This action reduces the boat's speed and can cause the sails to flap, as they lose the wind's push. It's often used to adjust the course of the vessel when navigating. Luffing is an essential skill for sailors to master, as it helps them to maintain control and optimize speed in varying wind conditions.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The captain luffed the boat to adjust its course.
- When the wind changed, they had to luff to avoid capsizing.
- He luffed the sails to catch a better angle of the wind.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Nautical Terminology
- The term 'luff' describes the action of adjusting a sail to reduce its power from the wind.
- Sailboats luff when they turn towards the wind, making the sails flutter instead of catch air.
- Understanding luffing is crucial for sailors to navigate effectively and maintain speed.
Sailing Techniques
- Sailors often practice luffing during training to manage wind conditions and learn sail control.
- Luffing can be a tactical maneuver in racing, as it allows sailors to slow down or reposition their boats without losing control.
Cultural References
- In maritime culture, there's a tradition of communicating while sailing, with terms like 'luff' being part of complex sailing jargon.
- Luffing has inspired various nautical tales and songs that celebrate the art of sailing.
Physics of Sailing
- When a sail luffs, the force acting upon the boat changes, impacting its trajectory and speed.
- The dynamics of airflow over a sail while luffing are studied in physics to understand better how to optimize sailing efficiency.
History of Navigation
- The nautical term 'luff' originated in the 16th century, as sailing became essential for exploration and trade.
- Early navigators recorded their observations about sail behavior and related terminology, improving skills for future sailors.
Origin of 'luffed'
The term 'luff' has its origins in the early nautical language, arising from Middle English and refers to the act of sailing into the wind. The literal roots can be traced back to Old Norse words associated with sailing. Over centuries, the term became widely used among sailors and evolved to specify the maneuver of directing a vessel's bow towards the wind. As sailing techniques advanced, so did the vocabulary of the sailors, with 'luff' becoming part of the standard sailing lexicon. This word reflects not only the technical aspects of sailing but also the cultural practices of maritime navigators.