keelson

[ kel-suhn, keel- ]

/ ˈkɛl sən, ˈkil- /

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noun Nautical.

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

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Also kel·son

[kel-suhn] /ˈkɛl sən/ .

Origin of keelson

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

Words nearby keelson

keelhaul, keelie, Keeling Islands, keelless, keel over, keelson, Keelung, keel vessel, keen, Keene, keener

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use keelson in a sentence

I guess you don't realize how many times I've been over this hulk, from decks to keelson, with a mallet and a foot-rule.
Masterpieces of Mystery, Vol. 1 (of 4)|Various
We are going to place the keelson, and a dozen pair of hands would not be too many.
The Secret of the Island|W.H.G. Kingston (translation from Jules Verne)
Taking five feet of strong line, I tied one end under a rib next the keelson, and the other around the paddle.
Woodcraft and Camping|George Washington Sears (Nessmuk)
No Briggs ever breaks a promise, and Hal is all clear Briggs, from truck to keelson!
Cursed|George Allan England

On each side of the keelson are assistant-keelsons to give greater strength.
Harper's Young People, June 15, 1880|Various

British Dictionary definitions for keelson

keelson

kelson

/ (ˈkɛlsən, ˈkiːl-) /

noun

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

Word Origin for keelson

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012