bulkhead

American  

[buhlk-hed] / ˈbʌlkˌhɛd /

noun

1. Nautical. any of various wall-like constructions inside a vessel, as for forming watertight compartments, subdividing space, or strengthening the structure.

2. Aeronautics. a transverse partition or reinforcing frame in the body of an airplane.

3. Civil Engineering.

   1. a partition built in a subterranean passage to prevent the passage of air, water, or mud.

   2. a retaining structure of timber, steel, or reinforced concrete, used for shore protection and in harbor works.

4. Building Trades.

   1. a horizontal or inclined outside door over a stairway leading to a cellar.

   2. a boxlike structure, as on a roof, covering a stairwell or other opening.

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bulkhead British  

/ ˈbʌlkˌhɛd /

noun

1. any upright wall-like partition in a ship, aircraft, vehicle, etc

2. a wall or partition built to hold back earth, fire, water, etc

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Other Word Forms

• bulkheaded adjective

Etymology

Origin of bulkhead

First recorded in 1490–1500; bulk ² + head

Example Sentences

A judge-led commission later found "a litany of errors" related to the Lamma IV, including a missing bulkhead door which contributed to the ferry sinking within two minutes.

From Barron's

Extent of the flooding if the bulkhead had been watertight.

From Barron's

Despair lapped against her heart like a tide rising against a bulkhead.

From Literature

It also found design standards to be "poor with all the vessels lacking watertight bulkheads, doors and hatches".

From BBC

The city undertook an emergency project to install two new bulkheads to repair washouts from the storm, with construction costs totaling nearly $4.9 million, according to a report from the Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering.

From Los Angeles Times