keel
UK: kiːl | US: kiːl
n. 1. The longitudinal structure along the base of a ship, supporting its framework.
n. 2. A ridge or central structure resembling a ship's keel (e.g., a bird's breastbone).
vt. 1. To capsize or cause to overturn (often used with "over").
The word "keel" traces back to Old Norse kjǫlr, meaning "ship's keel," and shares roots with Old English cēol (ship). Its consistent meaning across Germanic languages highlights its role as a foundational nautical term. The verb sense ("to keel over") metaphorically extends from the image of a ship capsizing due to instability.
The ship's keel was reinforced to withstand rough seas.
The bird's keel anchors its flight muscles.
The boat nearly keeled over in the storm.
Engineers inspected the keel for damage after grounding.
The yacht's design features a deep keel for stability.