bulkhead
UK: ˈbʌlk.hɛd | US: ˈbʌlk.hɛd
n. a dividing wall or barrier between compartments in a ship, aircraft, or vehicle
n. a structure built to hold back earth or water, such as in mining or construction
bulkhead = bulk<mass/partition> + head<top/front>
- bulk (from Old Norse bulki, meaning "cargo" or "mass") evolved to denote a partition or barrier in nautical contexts.
- head (from Old English hēafod, meaning "top" or "front") refers to the leading or structural part of the barrier.
Etymology Origin:
The term bulkhead originated in 15th-century nautical terminology, combining bulk (referring to the hull's partitions) and head (emphasizing its front-facing or structural role). Initially describing ship compartments, it later extended to civil engineering for earth-retaining structures. The logic reflects a physical "mass barrier" at the "head" of a space.
The ship's bulkhead prevented flooding in the damaged compartment.
Engineers reinforced the tunnel bulkhead to withstand water pressure.
A steel bulkhead separates the cargo hold from the engine room.
The aircraft's bulkhead was redesigned for better crash protection.
Miners installed a temporary bulkhead to stabilize the tunnel.