Apeak is a word that is not commonly used in everyday language, but it can be found in certain contexts such as nautical terminology or in discussions about the position of an object. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of apeak, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
Apeak is an adjective that describes the position of an object that is directly above its anchor with the anchor line taut. It can also mean an object that is in a vertical position or a position of balance.
Origin
The word apeak has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled “on peac.” The word “peac” meant a pointed object or a stake, and the prefix “on” meant “at” or “on.” Over time, the word evolved into “apeak” and took on its current definition.
Meaning in different dictionaries
In the Oxford English Dictionary, apeak is defined as “in a vertical position, with the anchor cable vertical and taut.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “in a vertical position with the anchor just clear of the bottom.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “in a position in which the anchor is hanging straight down from the ship.”
Associations
Apeak is most commonly associated with nautical terminology, as it describes the position of a ship’s anchor. It can also be used to describe the position of other objects, such as a flagpole or a crane.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for apeak include upright, vertical, straight, and perpendicular.
Antonyms
Antonyms for apeak include horizontal, flat, and parallel.
The same root words
The root word for apeak is “peac,” which is also the root word for “pike,” “pick,” and “peak.” These words all have a similar meaning of a pointed object or a sharp peak.
Example Sentences
- The ship was apeak, with the anchor line taut and the anchor just clear of the bottom.
- The flagpole stood apeak, with the flag waving in the wind.
- The crane was apeak, ready to lift the heavy load.
- The tower was apeak, with its spire reaching towards the sky.