How Do You Spell CARRACK?

Pronunciation: [kˈaɹak] (IPA)

Carrack is a noun that refers to a large, heavy sailing ship used in the Mediterranean and elsewhere in the 14th-17th centuries. The pronunciation is /ˈkærək/, with the stress on the first syllable. The initial sound /k/ is followed by the vowel /æ/, as in the word "cat." The second syllable contains the sound /r/, as in "red," followed by the schwa sound /ə/. The final sound is the voiceless velar fricative /k/, pronounced in the back of the mouth like "back."

CARRACK Meaning and Definition

  1. A carrack is a noun that refers to a large sailing ship that was commonly used in the 15th to 17th centuries. It was characterized by its sturdy construction, high forecastle, and three or four masts, which were equipped with square-rigged sails.

    Typically, carracks were colossal vessels that ranged in size and were known for their exceptional sailing capabilities on both long voyages and in harsh weather conditions. They were heavily armed with cannons and often used as merchant or warships. The carrack was particularly influential during the Age of Discovery, as it played a vital role in maritime exploration and trade routes expansion.

    With a maximum capacity of carrying up to several thousand tons of cargo, the carrack was pivotal for transporting goods between Europe, Asia, and Africa. Its design evolution also influenced the development of subsequent ship types, including the galleon. The carrack's construction usually featured a rounded hull, a high stern, and a square rigging system, which allowed for easy maneuverability and enhanced sailing speeds.

    Although the carrack eventually fell out of use due to the advent of new ship designs, its significance in maritime history remains substantial. The term "carrack" is still used in modern context to describe ships of similar characteristics or as a historical reference to the influential sailboat of the past.

Common Misspellings for CARRACK

Etymology of CARRACK

The word "carrack" comes from the Middle French word "caraque", which ultimately derives from the Arabic word "qurqūb", meaning a large ship. The term was originally used to refer to a specific type of medieval European sailing vessel that was sturdy, large, and equipped for long-distance voyages. It was commonly used during the 15th and 16th centuries. Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word "carrack" evolved from various European languages, including Portuguese, Spanish, and Italian.

Similar spelling words for CARRACK

Plural form of CARRACK is CARRACKS

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