Background for backstays
BeDict Logo

backstays

/ˈbæksteɪz/

Meanings
noun
A part of the rigging of a sailing ship extending from masthead the top of the mast to the back of the ship; they support the strain on all upper masts and provide additional support to the shrouds when the wind is abaft the beam.

Examples :

"The sailor adjusted the backstays to keep the mast stable in the strong wind. "
nautical sailing vehicle technical part

Related Words

Illustration sailing

sailing verb

/ˈseɪ.lɪŋ/

To be impelled or driven forward by the action of wind upon sails, as a ship on water; to be impelled on a body of water by steam or other power.

"The sailboat was sailing swiftly across the lake. "

Illustration adjusted

adjusted verb

/əˈdʒʌstɪd/

To modify.

"The student adjusted her chair so she could see the board better. "

Illustration stable

stable noun

/ˈsteɪ.bəɫ/

A building, wing or dependency set apart and adapted for lodging and feeding (and training) animals with hoofs, especially horses.

"The farm's new stable provided a comfortable place to house the horses. "

Illustration additional

additional noun

/əˈdɪʃənəl/

Something added.

"The teacher assigned additional homework for the weekend. "

Illustration support

support noun

/səˈpɔːt/ /səˈpɔɹt/

(sometimes attributive) Something which supports.

"The bridge's sturdy support beams prevented the structure from collapsing. "

Illustration sailor

sailor noun

/ˈseɪlə/ /ˈseɪlɚ/

A person in the business of navigating ships or other vessels

"The experienced sailor steered the small boat safely across the lake. "

Illustration strain

strain noun

/stɹeɪ̯n/

Treasure.

"The family's financial strain was a constant worry. "

Illustration provide

provide verb

/pɹəˈvaɪd/

To make a living; earn money for necessities.

"It is difficult to provide for my family working on minimum wage."

Illustration extending

extending verb

/ɛkˈstɛndɪŋ/

To increase in extent.

"The company is extending its office hours to better serve customers. "

Illustration masthead

masthead noun

/ˈmæstˌhɛd/ /ˈmɑːstˌhɛd/

The top of a mast.

"The sailor climbed to the masthead to get a better view of the approaching land. "

Illustration shrouds

shrouds noun

/ʃraʊdz/

That which clothes, covers, conceals, or protects; a garment.

"The heavy fog shrouds the bridge, making it difficult to see the other side. "

Illustration rigging

rigging verb

/ˈɹɪɡɪŋ/

To fit out with a harness or other equipment.

"The hikers rigged themselves with sturdy backpacks before starting their trek. "