Waterline: meaning, definitions and examples
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waterline
[ ˈwɔːtərlaɪn ]
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
Translations of the word "waterline" in other languages:
🇵🇹 linha d'água
🇮🇳 जल रेखा
🇩🇪 Wasserlinie
🇮🇩 garis air
🇺🇦 водна лінія
🇵🇱 linia wody
🇯🇵 水線
🇫🇷 ligne de flottaison
🇪🇸 línea de flotación
🇹🇷 su hattı
🇰🇷 수선
🇸🇦 خط المياه
🇨🇿 vodní čára
🇸🇰 vodná línia
🇨🇳 水线
🇸🇮 vodna linija
🇮🇸 vatnsstrengur
🇰🇿 су сызығы
🇬🇪 წყლის ხაზი
🇦🇿 su xətti
🇲🇽 línea de agua
Etymology
The term 'waterline' originated from the combination of the words 'water' and 'line'. The word 'water' comes from the Old English 'wæter', 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.