the intersection between two vertical lines, one through the center of buoyancy of a hull in equilibrium, the other through the center of buoyancy when the hull is inclined slightly to one side or toward one end: the distance of this intersection above the center of gravity is an indication of the initial stability of the hull.
Also especially British, met·a·cen·tre.
Origin of metacenter
From the French word métacentre, dating back to 1785–95. See meta-, center
