Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Vessels Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

⛵
Add to dictionary

vessels

[ˈvɛsəlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

transportation

Vessels are large boats or ships used for carrying goods or people across the sea. They can vary in size and type, from cargo ships to cruise liners.

Synonyms

boats, crafts, ships.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vessels

This term is broadly used for any object that can navigate on water, including boats, ships, and other watercraft.

  • The port is full of various vessels, from small fishing boats to large cargo ships.
  • All crew members must ensure the vessel is ready for departure.
ships

Ships are typically larger than boats and often used for commercial, military, or long-distance travel purposes.

  • The cruise ship can accommodate thousands of passengers on its journey.
  • Naval ships patrolled the waters to ensure safety.
boats

Boats are usually smaller watercraft, often used for personal or recreational purposes. They can also include small fishing vessels and lifeboats.

  • We spent the afternoon rowing the boat on the lake.
  • The fishermen returned to shore after a long day at sea in their small boat.
crafts

Crafts can refer to various types of boats and ships, emphasizing the construction or the type. It can also be used for smaller or specialized vessels.

  • The bay was dotted with several sailing crafts enjoying the afternoon breeze.
  • Specialized crafts were used to transport goods through the narrow canals.

Examples of usage

  • The cargo vessel transported goods across the ocean.
  • The cruise vessel offered luxury accommodations for its passengers.
Context #2 | Noun

anatomy

In anatomy, vessels refer to tubes that carry fluids such as blood or lymph within the body. They play a crucial role in the circulatory system.

Synonyms

canals, ducts, tubes.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vessels

Used to describe containers or ships, but in medical terms, it refers to blood vessels in the body.

  • The heart pumps blood through blood vessels
  • The ship was an old but sturdy vessel
tubes

Generally refers to cylindrical containers or structures, often found in both everyday and technical contexts.

  • She squirted the glue from a tube
  • The engineers inspected the tubes in the boiler system
ducts

Used in a medical or technical context to describe passages that carry fluids, such as air or liquids.

  • The bile duct carries bile from the liver to the small intestine
  • The air ducts in the house need cleaning
canals

Refers to man-made channels for water or in medical terms, can describe tubes in the body.

  • The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans
  • The ear canal can sometimes get blocked

Examples of usage

  • The blood vessels transport oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
  • The lymphatic vessels help in immune response.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In biology, blood vessels are crucial, as they help transport blood throughout the body, delivering nutrients and oxygen.
  • Plant biology also involves vessels, known as xylem and phloem, which carry water and nutrients within the plant.
  • In anatomy, all vessels, like veins and arteries, have distinct functions – arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins return it.

Art

  • In ancient art, pottery vessels were used for storage and ritual purposes, often beautifully designed with paintings and carvings.
  • Modern artists sometimes create large sculptures that resemble vessels to explore themes of emptiness and fullness.
  • The shape and design of vessels in art can convey cultural significance, symbolizing community and sustenance.

Maritime History

  • Historically, vessels played a vital role in trade, allowing for the exchange of goods between distant lands.
  • The age of exploration was marked by great explorers using vessels like galleons and caravels to discover new territories.
  • Naval vessels have evolved from wooden sailing ships to modern warships, showcasing technological advancements over centuries.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, vessels are symbolic of life’s journey, often used in rituals to represent the concept of holding memories and experiences.
  • Ceremonial vessels, such as chalices used in religious practices, signify the importance of community and sharing.
  • A toast raised in a vessel during celebrations represents unity, as people gather to share happiness and create bonds.

Origin of 'vessels'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French word 'vessel', which means 'container', and from the Latin word 'vas', meaning 'a holder'.
  • In Ancient Rome, the term is linked to 'vasculum', referring to small containers used for various tasks, emphasizing the utility of holding.
  • The term has been used in English since the 14th century, showing the long history of 'vessels' in human culture.

The word 'vessels' originated from the Latin word 'vāscellum', which means small vessel or container. Over time, it evolved to encompass a broader meaning of boats, ships, or anatomical tubes. Vessels have been essential for transportation and trade throughout history, facilitating exploration and commerce across the seas.

See also: microvessel.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,488, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.