Waterline Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
waterline
[หwษหtษrlaษชn ]
Definitions
nautical reference
The waterline is the line that indicates the level to which a ship or boat is submerged in water. It is an important marker for shipwrights and sailors as it helps to determine the buoyancy and stability of the vessel.
Synonyms
buoy line, draft, water level.
Examples of usage
- The waterline on the hull showed how much the ship had been loaded.
- Ensuring the waterline is clearly visible is essential for safe navigation.
- The marine surveyor checked the waterline before approving the vessel's launch.
building construction
In construction, the waterline refers to the point at which water reaches in relation to a specific structure or foundation. This measurement is crucial to avoid flooding and to ensure the integrity of the building.
Synonyms
flood line, level line, water mark.
Examples of usage
- The architect marked the waterline to prevent potential water damage.
- Heavy rains raised the waterline around the foundation of the house.
- The project manager monitored the waterline during the heavy storm.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Navigation
- Modern ships have a 'plimsoll line' that indicates the safe loading waterline, essential for safety regulations.
- Sailors must understand the waterline to ensure the vessel is balanced and not overloaded, which can cause capsizing.
Architecture
- In construction, the term refers to the point where water meets a structure, guiding drainage and waterproofing measures.
- Buildings in flood-prone areas often have waterline markers to indicate safe levels during heavy rain.
Environmental Science
- Environmental studies analyze how changing waterlines can indicate climate change effects, such as rising sea levels.
- The waterline has ecological implications, as it affects plant growth and local wildlife habitats along shorelines.
Pop Culture
- In movies and literature, the 'waterline' often symbolizes struggle or survival, as characters face rising waters, representing challenges.
- Songs and artworks use the idea of a waterline to illustrate emotional depth or turbulence in life experiences.
Origin of 'waterline'
Main points about word origin
- The term combines 'water,' derived from Old English 'wรฆter,' and 'line,' from Latin 'linea,' meaning a string or a boundary.
- Historically, the concept of a waterline has been important in shipbuilding, dating back to ancient times, when ships were marked to determine buoyancy.
The term 'waterline' originated from the combination of the words 'water' and 'line'. The word 'water' comes from the Old English 'wรฆter', which has Proto-Germanic roots, and 'line' derives from the Latin 'linea', meaning 'linen thread' or 'string'. This term began to see usage in the maritime context by the early 19th century as steamships and large vessels became commercially viable, necessitating a standardized way to indicate how deep a ship rested in the water. Over time, 'waterline' has been adopted in various other fields, including construction and land surveying, where determining the appropriate elevation concerning water levels became crucial for safety and design.