mast

UK: mɑːst | US: mæst

Definition

  1. n. a tall vertical pole or spar on a ship or boat, supporting sails or rigging

  2. n. a vertical structure (e.g., for radio antennas or flags)

  3. n. (botany) the fruit of forest trees (e.g., beech, oak) used as food for pigs

Structure
mast <pole or fruit>
Etymology

The word "mast" has dual origins:

  1. Nautical sense: From Old English mæst (ship's pole), derived from Proto-Germanic mastaz, likely linked to the concept of "standing tall."
  2. Botanical sense: From Old English mæst (forest fruit), also Proto-Germanic mastaz, originally meaning "fodder" or "food for animals."
    Despite identical spelling, the two meanings evolved separately—one tied to maritime technology, the other to forestry.
Examples

  1. The ship's mast snapped during the storm.

  2. They raised the flag on the steel mast.

  3. Pigs forage for acorns and other mast in the woods.

  4. The radio mast towers over the village.

  5. Ancient sailors climbed the mast to spot land.