CARAVEL Meaning and
Definition
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A caravel refers to a type of sailing ship that emerged during the 15th century, renowned for its versatility and pivotal role in maritime exploration. Equipped with lateen sails, it possessed a lightweight yet sturdy hull, making it highly maneuverable and swift at sea. Developed by the Portuguese, caravels were characterized by their distinct design featuring a rounded stern and high forecastle. The introduction of this vessel revolutionized navigation and enabled long-distance explorations.
Caravels were essential for historical voyages like those undertaken by Christopher Columbus, Vasco da Gama, and Ferdinand Magellan. Their design allowed sailors to utilize both favorable winds and currents, enhancing their ability to venture across vast oceans. The caravel's advanced sailing capabilities made it well-suited for navigating unpredictably changing weather conditions, making it highly adaptable and reliable.
Besides amplifying exploration, caravels played a crucial role in trade and warfare. These ships facilitated the establishment of trade connections between continents, bringing about an era of globalization and international commerce. Their usage as warships also influenced naval warfare strategies due to their enhanced mobility and firing power. Over time, caravel design evolved, resulting in variations such as the caravela redonda, which possessed additional decks and cannons.
The caravel remains an iconic symbol of the Age of Discovery and a testament to the ingenuity and nautical expertise of early sailors. Its historical significance, along with its architectural excellence, continues to captivate scholars, historians, and maritime enthusiasts to this day.
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A small French herring-vessel; a light vessel formerly used by Spaniards and Portuguese.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Etymology of CARAVEL
The word "caravel" comes from the Portuguese word "caravela", which emerged in the 15th century. The origins of "caravela" are uncertain, but it is believed to have derived from the Late Latin term "carabus" or "caravalis", referring to a small, fast ship. This, in turn, might have been borrowed from Arabic, as the Arabic word "qarib" means "fast" or "quick". Portuguese explorers and sailors extensively used caravels during the Age of Discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Similar spelling words for CARAVEL
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