centerboard

[ sen-ter-bawrd, -bohrd ]

/ ˈsɛn tərˌbɔrd, -ˌboʊrd /

Save This Word!

noun Nautical.

a pivoted fin keel that can be swung upward and aft within a watertight trunk when not in use.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!

In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”

Question 1 of 7

The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.

Meet Grammar Coach

Also called drop keel.

Origin of centerboard

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; center + board

When he looked again there was but one, a figure sprawled along the keel, clinging to the centerboard.
Cap'n Eri|Joseph Crosby Lincoln
The centerboard had floated up and projected at the top, and it was about this that Captain Davis' arms were clasped.
Cap'n Eri|Joseph Crosby Lincoln
Jonadab rolled up his shirt sleeves and laid hands on the centerboard stick.
Cape Cod Stories|Joseph C. Lincoln
The table swung to the centerboard-case on hinges, so that when not in use it actually occupied no room at all.
The Cruise of the Dazzler|Jack London

French Pete put his head up on the other side of the centerboard, his eyes heavy with sleep, and made them welcome.
The Cruise of the Dazzler|Jack London