MAST Meaning and
Definition
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A mast, in general terms, refers to a tall and sturdy vertical pole or spar that is utilized to support various components on ships and sailing vessels. It is an integral part of a vessel's structure and typically extends vertically from the deck or hull of a ship into the air. Masts are primarily designed to support sails, and consequently, play a crucial role in the propulsion of sailing vessels by capturing and utilizing the force of the wind. They are constructed from durable materials such as wood, steel, or aluminum, ensuring strength and stability.
In addition to supporting sails, masts may also serve other functions. For instance, they can be employed to attach antennas, radar equipment, signal lights, or flagpoles, enabling effective communication and navigation. The size and shape of a mast can vary depending on the type of vessel it belongs to. Typically, larger vessels have several masts, categorized based on their position and purpose, such as the main mast, fore mast, or mizzen mast.
Masts have been used for centuries and are deeply ingrained in maritime culture and history. They have played a pivotal role in exploration, trade, and warfare, transforming the way people navigate and cross oceans. From the classic tall ships of the past to modern sailboats, the mast remains an iconic and essential component in sailing vessels, providing both functional and aesthetic value.
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• One of the large upright timbers or poles which support the rigging of a ship.
• The fruit of oaks or beech-trees used for fattening hogs.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for MAST *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for MAST
Etymology of MAST
The word "mast" has an interesting etymology. It derives from the Middle English word "maste", which can be traced back to the Old English word "maest". This Old English term originated from the Proto-Germanic word "mastaz", meaning "mast" or "pole". The Proto-Germanic word shares its roots with the Old Norse word "mǫstr" and the Old High German word "mast". All of these languages have ancestral ties to the common Proto-Indo-European language. Ultimately, the word can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*meh₂s-" or "*mastah₂-", which refers to a mast or a pole. This ancient root is also connected to words like "mastodon" and "masticate".
Idioms with the word MAST
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before the mast
The idiom "before the mast" refers to being a member of the crew of a ship, typically a sailor. It originated from the practice of dividing a ship into two sections: the forecastle (the area where the common sailors lived) and the quarterdeck (the area for officers and high-ranking crew members). The individuals who worked and lived in the forecastle were referred to as being "before the mast," indicating a lower status and lack of privilege compared to those on the quarterdeck.
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nail (one's) colors to the mast
The idiom "nail (one's) colors to the mast" is a phrase derived from naval history. It means to firmly and publicly declare one's beliefs, opinions, or loyalties, especially in the face of opposition or adversity. The phrase originates from the practice of ships displaying their national flag, known as "colors," on the mast during battles, symbolizing their unwavering allegiance and determination. Therefore, "nailing one's colors to the mast" signifies the act of openly and proudly standing by one's principles, regardless of the circumstances.
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nail (one's) colours to the mast
The idiom "nail (one's) colours to the mast" means to firmly and publicly declare one's beliefs, opinions, or intentions and to be unwavering in standing by them, despite any opposition or challenges. It is often used to describe someone who is determined, committed, and unafraid to take a strong position on a certain matter. The phrase is believed to have originated from the practice of ships raising their national flags (colours) on their masts during battles, symbolizing their loyalty and allegiance while also making their stance clear to their enemies.
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nail your colours to the mast
To "nail your colors to the mast" means to publicly declare your beliefs, opinions, or allegiances, and to firmly stand by them even when facing opposition or challenges. This expression originates from naval warfare, where a ship would fly its national flag, or "colors," from the mast to show its allegiance. By nailing them to the mast, the crew symbolically commits to their cause, regardless of the peril they may face. The idiom is often used metaphorically to encourage someone to boldly express and defend their convictions.
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nail colours to the mast
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be at half-mast
"Be at half-mast" typically refers to a flag being halfway up a flagpole as a sign of respect or mourning, often in response to a significant event such as the death of a prominent figure. The idiom can also be used metaphorically to describe a situation where there is a sense of sadness, loss, or mourning.
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at half-mast
The idiom "at half-mast" refers to a flag being flown halfway down the flagpole as a symbol of respect, mourning, or sorrow, typically in response to a death or tragedy. It can also be used figuratively to describe a feeling or mood of sadness or mourning.
Similar spelling words for MAST
- maggoty,
- machete,
- majette,
- Maust,
- mascot,
- massed,
- maggot,
- Majkut,
- Massett,
- masqat,
- maoist.
Conjugate verb Mast
CONDITIONAL
I
would mast
you
would mast
he/she/it
would mast
we
would mast
they
would mast
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be masting
you
would be masting
he/she/it
would be masting
we
would be masting
they
would be masting
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have mast
you
would have mast
he/she/it
would have mast
we
would have mast
they
would have mast
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been masting
you
would have been masting
he/she/it
would have been masting
we
would have been masting
they
would have been masting
FUTURE
I
will mast
you
will mast
he/she/it
will mast
we
will mast
they
will mast
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be masting
you
will be masting
he/she/it
will be masting
we
will be masting
they
will be masting
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have masted
you
will have masted
he/she/it
will have masted
we
will have masted
they
will have masted
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been masting
you
will have been masting
he/she/it
will have been masting
we
will have been masting
they
will have been masting
IMPERATIVE
you
mast
we
let´s mast
to mast
PAST
I
masted
you
masted
he/she/it
masted
we
masted
they
masted
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was masting
you
were masting
he/she/it
was masting
we
were masting
they
were masting
PAST PARTICIPLE
masted
PAST PERFECT
I
had masted
you
had masted
he/she/it
had masted
we
had masted
they
had masted
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been masting
you
had been masting
he/she/it
had been masting
we
had been masting
they
had been masting
PRESENT
I
mast
you
mast
he/she/it
masts
we
mast
they
mast
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am masting
you
are masting
he/she/it
is masting
we
are masting
they
are masting
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
masting
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have masted
you
have masted
he/she/it
has masted
we
have masted
they
have masted
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been masting
you
have been masting
he/she/it
has been masting
we
have been masting
they
have been masting
I
would have masted
we
would have masted
you
would have masted
he/she/it
would have masted
they
would have masted
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