How Do You Spell KEEL?

Pronunciation: [kˈiːl] (IPA)

The word "keel" is spelled with the letters "k", "e", "e", and "l". In IPA phonetic transcription, it is represented as /kiːl/. The "k" represents the voiceless velar stop sound, while the "ee" is pronounced as a long "e" sound (/i:/), and the "l" represents a voiced alveolar lateral approximant sound. The word "keel" can refer to the structural element of a ship or boat that runs along the centerline of the bottom of the hull, providing stability and support.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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KEEL Meaning and Definition

  1. Keel is a noun that refers to the central structural part of a ship or boat, extending from bow to stern along the bottom. It is typically a long, heavy, and central timber or steel beam that forms the backbone of a vessel, providing strength and stability. In modern vessels, it is often made of steel or other strong materials and is welded rather than made of individual timbers.

    The keel serves several important functions in a ship's design. Firstly, it provides stability by acting as a counterbalance to the weight of the ship's rigging, sails, and other structures above the waterline. The keel's depth and shape also help to ensure proper maneuverability and prevent excessive rolling or capsizing. Moreover, it acts as a foundation for the hull, providing a solid structure to which the framing and planks are attached.

    The term "keel" can also be used metaphorically to describe the central supporting or foundational element of an organization, project, or idea. In this context, it represents the core or essential part that everything else relies upon. For example, one might say, "Education is the keel of a developed society," to emphasize its fundamental importance.

    In summary, a keel is the backbone of a ship or boat, supporting its structure, providing stability, and acting as a foundation for the hull. It is a vital component of marine vessel design, ensuring safe and efficient navigation on water.

  2. • The principal and lowest timber in a ship, extending from stem to stern, and supporting the whole frame; a low flat-bottomed vessel; in bot., a projecting ridge, rising along the middle of a flat or curved surface; the two lowermost, and more or less combined, petals of a papilionaceous corolla.
    • To navigate; to turn keel upwards.

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

Common Misspellings for KEEL

Etymology of KEEL

The word "keel" can be traced back to the Old English words "ceol" or "cēol". These words originated from the Proto-Germanic language, where the term was "keluz". The Proto-Germanic word was derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "gel", meaning "to swallow or devour". Over time, this term evolved into "keel", which refers to the central, longitudinal structure of a ship or boat.

Idioms with the word KEEL

  • on an even keel The idiom "on an even keel" means to be in a balanced or stable state, particularly in regard to emotions or circumstances. It suggests that a person, situation, or event is stable, steady, or in a state of equilibrium.
  • keep on an even keel To "keep on an even keel" means to maintain a stable and balanced state or condition, particularly in an emotional or psychological sense. It originates from nautical terminology, where a ship that is on an even keel is well-balanced and stable in the water. In a figurative sense, it suggests maintaining a steady and consistent state, often referring to staying calm and composed amid various challenges or fluctuations in life.
  • keep sth on an even keel The idiom "keep something on an even keel" means to maintain a steady or balanced state or condition, especially in situations or relationships where there may be conflicts, tensions, or fluctuations. It implies not letting things veer off course or becoming unstable but rather ensuring that everything remains calm, consistent, and manageable.
  • keel over The idiom "keel over" means to suddenly collapse or fall over, usually due to exhaustion, illness, or fainting. It is often used to describe someone who loses consciousness or falls to the ground abruptly.
  • keel sth over To "keel something over" is an idiom that means to cause something to collapse or fall over suddenly. It often implies that the object was unbalanced or unstable, leading to its abrupt downfall.
  • even keel The idiom "even keel" refers to someone maintaining a balanced and stable state of mind or emotional composure, especially during challenging or difficult situations. It implies remaining calm, level-headed, and composed, irrespective of the circumstances.
  • keel something over The idiom "keel over" refers to collapsing or falling over suddenly, often due to exhaustion, fatigue, illness, or other physical or emotional stress. It is usually used figuratively to describe a sudden and unexpected collapse or failure.
  • keep something on an even keel The idiom "keep something on an even keel" means to maintain balance, stability, or control over a situation or​ problem. It refers to keeping things steady, consistent, and in harmony, especially during challenging times or when facing potential disruptions or fluctuations.

Similar spelling words for KEEL

Plural form of KEEL is KEELS

Conjugate verb Keel

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have keeled
you would have keeled
he/she/it would have keeled
we would have keeled
they would have keeled
I would have keel
you would have keel
he/she/it would have keel
we would have keel
they would have keel

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been keeling
you would have been keeling
he/she/it would have been keeling
we would have been keeling
they would have been keeling

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would keel
you would keel
he/she/it would keel
we would keel
they would keel

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be keeling
you would be keeling
he/she/it would be keeling
we would be keeling
they would be keeling

FUTURE

I will keel
you will keel
he/she/it will keel
we will keel
they will keel

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be keeling
you will be keeling
he/she/it will be keeling
we will be keeling
they will be keeling

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have keeled
you will have keeled
he/she/it will have keeled
we will have keeled
they will have keeled

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been keeling
you will have been keeling
he/she/it will have been keeling
we will have been keeling
they will have been keeling

IMPERATIVE

you keel
we let´s keel

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to keel

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was keeling
you were keeling
he/she/it was keeling
we were keeling
they were keeling

PAST PARTICIPLE

keeled

PAST PERFECT

I had keeled
you had keeled
he/she/it had keeled
we had keeled
they had keeled

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been keeling
you had been keeling
he/she/it had been keeling
we had been keeling
they had been keeling

PRESENT

I keel
you keel
he/she/it keels
we keel
they keel

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am keeling
you are keeling
he/she/it is keeling
we are keeling
they are keeling

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

keeling

PRESENT PERFECT

I have keeled
you have keeled
he/she/it has keeled
we have keeled
they have keeled

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been keeling
you have been keeling
he/she/it has been keeling
we have been keeling
they have been keeling

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it keel

SIMPLE PAST

I keeled
you keeled
he/she/it keeled
we keeled
they keeled

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Correct spelling for keel
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