Whitecap: meaning, definitions and examples

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whitecap

 

[ หˆwaษชtkรฆp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น onda branca

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเคซเฅ‡เคฆ เคฒเคนเคฐ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช WeiรŸkappe

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ombak putih

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฑั–ะปะฐ ั…ะฒะธะปั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ biaล‚a fala

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ็™ฝใ„ๆณข

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท crรชte blanche

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ ola blanca

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท beyaz dalga

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํฐ ํŒŒ๋„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูˆุฌ ุฃุจูŠุถ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ bรญlรก vlna

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ biela vlna

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็™ฝ่‰ฒๆณขๆตช

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ bela val

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hvรญt bylgja

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐา› ั‚ะพะปา›ั‹ะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ—แƒ”แƒ—แƒ แƒ˜ แƒขแƒแƒšแƒฆแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aฤŸ dalฤŸa

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.