keelson

Also kel·son

[kel-suhn, keel-]

noun

Nautical.

1. any of various fore-and-aft structural members lying above or parallel to the keel in the bottom of a hull.

keelson

/ ˈkɛlsən, ˈkiːl- /

noun

1. a longitudinal beam fastened to the keel of a vessel for strength and stiffness

Word History and Origins

Origin of keelson¹

1605–15; < Low German kielswin literally, “keel swine” (sense relation obscure) < Scandinavian; compare Dutch kolsvijn, Danish kølsvin, Swedish kölsvin

Word History and Origins

Origin of keelson¹

C17: probably from Low German kielswin, keel swine, ultimately of Scandinavian origin

Example Sentences

Workers are replacing the hull’s below-water outer planking and its framing, the riblike parts of the boat that extend out from the keelson, the backbone of the ship.

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Keel, keelson, longitudinals and inner and outer bottoms, were of a weight, size and thickness exceeding those of any previous ship.

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The transoms, knees, beams, keelson, and other chief timbers used for connecting and strengthening the parts of a vessel.

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The guns were run out, and the Golden Hope quivered from truck to keelson with the roar of her ordnance.

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These craft are hopper-bottomed and fitted with band conveyors of the ordinary type, running between the double keelson of the lighter and delivering into an elevator erected at the stern of the lighter.

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