Whitecap: meaning, definitions and examples
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whitecap
[ หwaษชtkรฆp ]
ocean phenomenon
A whitecap is a small wave on the surface of a body of water, particularly seen in oceans and seas, characterized by its frothy white crest. Whitecaps form when waves become steep and the crest breaks, producing a frothy top. They are often associated with strong winds and can indicate the presence of rough seas. In sailing and marine navigation, the appearance of whitecaps is a key signal for assessing weather conditions. Their formation is primarily due to the wind's energy transferring to the water's surface.
Synonyms
breaker, foamy wave, wave crest
Examples of usage
- The whitecaps danced on the waves as the storm approached.
- Sailors watched the whitecaps eagerly, anticipating the strong winds.
- Whitecaps formed rapidly, signaling a change in weather.
- The beach was dotted with whitecaps against the vibrant sunset.
Translations
Translations of the word "whitecap" in other languages:
๐ต๐น onda branca
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคซเฅเคฆ เคฒเคนเคฐ
๐ฉ๐ช Weiรkappe
๐ฎ๐ฉ ombak putih
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑัะปะฐ ั ะฒะธะปั
๐ต๐ฑ biaลa fala
๐ฏ๐ต ็ฝใๆณข
๐ซ๐ท crรชte blanche
๐ช๐ธ ola blanca
๐น๐ท beyaz dalga
๐ฐ๐ท ํฐ ํ๋
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ูุฌ ุฃุจูุถ
๐จ๐ฟ bรญlรก vlna
๐ธ๐ฐ biela vlna
๐จ๐ณ ็ฝ่ฒๆณขๆตช
๐ธ๐ฎ bela val
๐ฎ๐ธ hvรญt bylgja
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฐา ัะพะปาัะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแ แ แขแแแฆแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ aฤ dalฤa
๐ฒ๐ฝ ola blanca
Etymology
The term 'whitecap' originates from the visual appearance of ocean waves that have a white, frothy top caused by breaking waves. The word combines 'white' referring to the color of the foam produced by the turbulent waters and 'cap' which suggestively hints at the covering nature of the foam on the wave's surface. First documented in English literature in the late 19th century, the term has nautical roots and is often used in maritime contexts. With the growth of sailing and seafaring literature, 'whitecap' came to symbolize not just the physical phenomenon but also the unpredictable nature of the sea. Over time, sailors and oceanographers alike began using the term to describe wave conditions, as the presence of whitecaps can indicate significant wind speeds and the potential for choppy waters.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #41,747, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.