Bow thrusters are essential components of modern ships that help in maneuvering the vessel in tight spaces. They are powerful propulsion systems that push the ship’s bow sideways, allowing the vessel to turn and move in any direction. In this article, we will discuss the definition, origin, meaning, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences of bow thrusters.
Definitions
A bow thruster is a propulsion system located at the front of a ship that provides lateral thrust to the vessel. It consists of a propeller that rotates in a horizontal plane, creating a force that pushes the ship’s bow to one side or the other.
Origin
The first bow thruster was developed in the 19th century by a Swedish inventor named John Ericsson. He designed a steam-powered propeller that could be mounted on the bow of a ship to improve its maneuverability. Since then, bow thrusters have become a standard feature on most modern ships, including cargo vessels, cruise ships, and even yachts.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a bow thruster is “a propulsion device fitted to a ship’s bow to give it increased maneuverability.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a propeller in a tunnel at the bow of a ship used for lateral movement.” The Cambridge Dictionary describes it as “a motorized device on a ship that helps it to move sideways.”
Associations
Bow thrusters are associated with shipbuilding, maritime engineering, and naval architecture. They are essential for docking and maneuvering large vessels in confined spaces, such as ports, canals, and narrow waterways. They are also used in emergency situations, such as when a ship loses its main propulsion system.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of bow thruster include lateral thruster, side thruster, tunnel thruster, and azimuth thruster. These terms are often used interchangeably to refer to the same type of propulsion system.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms of bow thruster, as it is a specific type of propulsion system. However, some opposite concepts could include fixed propulsion systems, such as rudders or propellers that cannot move laterally.
The same root words
Bow thruster is a compound noun that consists of two root words: bow and thruster. The word bow refers to the front part of a ship, while the word thruster refers to a device that provides propulsion or thrust.
Example Sentences
- The captain used the bow thruster to maneuver the ship into the narrow canal.
- The ship’s bow thruster failed, and the crew had to rely on the main engines to dock the vessel.
- The yacht’s lateral thruster allowed it to dock in the crowded marina without any problems.
- The naval architect designed a new azimuth thruster that improved the ship’s maneuverability in rough seas.
- The tunnel thruster on the cargo vessel was powerful enough to move the ship sideways even in strong currents.