BINACLE Meaning and
Definition
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A binacle refers to a nautical instrument or structure found on ships and boats, primarily serving as a housing or enclosure for the ship's compass. This essential component is usually mounted on the bridge or wheelhouse of a vessel, providing a secure and accessible location for the compass. The term "binacle" is derived from the Portuguese word "bitáculo," which means small cabin or compartment, accurately describing its purpose and characteristics.
Typically made of brass or other materials resistant to corrosion, the binacle usually takes the form of a cylindrical housing with a transparent front panel specifically designed to protect the compass from the elements while maintaining excellent visibility for navigational purposes. In addition to safeguarding the compass, the binacle often incorporates features such as adjustable lighting, protective covers, and internal mechanisms facilitating compass calibration and adjustment.
Apart from housing the compass, some modern binacles may also integrate additional instruments or displays, including depth sounders, chartplotters, radar screens, or other navigational aids. These supplementary instruments contribute to the efficient and accurate navigation of a vessel, providing essential information to the ship's crew or navigating officer.
The binacle's importance to navigation cannot be overstated, as it allows for precise and reliable course-plotting in various weather and sea conditions. By providing convenient access to the compass and related instruments, the binacle enhances the safety and efficiency of the ship and its crew during maritime journeys.
Common Misspellings for BINACLE
- vinacle
- ninacle
- hinacle
- ginacle
- bunacle
- bjnacle
- bknacle
- bonacle
- b9nacle
- b8nacle
- bibacle
- bimacle
- bijacle
- bihacle
- binzcle
- binscle
- binwcle
- binqcle
- binaxle
- binavle
Etymology of BINACLE
The word "binacle" originates from the Spanish term "bitácora" or "bitácula", which means "small box" or "compass box". It further derives from the Latin word "habitaculum", meaning "a dwelling place". Over time, this nautical term was anglicized to "binacle" and came to refer specifically to the housing or stand that contains a ship's compass.
Similar spelling words for BINACLE
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