How Do You Spell BITTACLE?

Pronunciation: [bˈɪtəkə͡l] (IPA)

The word "Bittacle" (also spelled "Binnacle") refers to a stand or housing for a ship's compass. It is pronounced as /ˈbɪtəkəl/ or /ˈbɪnəkəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "bit" or "bin" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, while the second syllable "ta" or "na" is pronounced with a schwa sound. The final syllable "cle" is pronounced with a short "uh" sound followed by a soft "l" sound. The spelling of this word may vary depending on the region, but its pronunciation remains consistent.

BITTACLE Meaning and Definition

1. A bittacle is a nautical instrument or structure used aboard a ship for the purpose of housing and supporting a ship's compass. It typically consists of a housing or bracket, usually made of brass or metal, which is securely mounted on the deck or cabin top of a vessel. The bittacle is designed to provide protection and stability to the compass, ensuring its accuracy and functionality.

   Within the bittacle, the compass is securely placed in a gimbal suspension, allowing it to remain level despite the pitch and roll of the ship. This feature ensures that the compass needle remains stable and can be easily read by the ship's navigator or helmsman. The bittacle may also incorporate a protective glass cover to shield the compass from elements such as sea spray or rain.

   In addition to housing the compass, the bittacle often includes various instruments and devices that aid in navigation, such as a light source for nighttime use, magnifiers for better visibility, or a storage compartment for charts and navigational tools. This consolidation of essential navigation equipment within the bittacle allows for easy access and convenience for the ship's crew.

   Throughout the centuries, the bittacle has evolved with technological advancements and design improvements. With the advent of modern navigation systems, the traditional bittacles have been replaced by electronic panels or displays. Nonetheless, the term "bittacle" is still used in naval terminology to refer to the housing or compartment that protected and supported the ship's compass.

2. A turret-shaped box placed on board a ship near the helm in which the compass is kept.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for BITTACLE

• vittacle
• nittacle
• hittacle
• gittacle
• buttacle
• bjttacle
• bkttacle
• bottacle
• b9ttacle
• b8ttacle
• birtacle
• biftacle
• bigtacle
• biytacle
• bi6tacle
• bi5tacle
• bitracle
• bitfacle
• bitgacle
• bittafle

Etymology of BITTACLE

The word "bittacle" is derived from the Old English word "bitæce", which meant a small chest or box. It further evolved into "bittacle" in Middle English. The term found its way into nautical vocabulary, referring to a small enclosed space or box on a ship's deck where the ship's compass was housed. Over time, "bittacle" became the standard spelling for this specific nautical instrument.