STOKEHOLD Meaning and
Definition
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The term "stokehold" refers to a specific area or compartment within a steam-powered ship or vessel where the process of stoking, or feeding fuel into the furnace, takes place. It functions as the central space dedicated to maintaining heat and power generation for the vessel's steam engine.
A stokehold is typically located below the main deck or in the lowermost levels of the ship, where the heat and smoke generated by the furnace can be contained and directed out of the vessel. It is specifically designed to house the boilers and to facilitate the firing and feeding of coal or other fuel sources into the furnace as required for the operation of the steam engine. It is an essential component of steamships, particularly those that were prevalent during the period in which steam power was the primary method of propulsion.
Workers, known as stokers, are responsible for the day-to-day management of the stokehold. They work in a demanding and often hazardous environment, dealing with extremely high temperatures, heavy physical labor, and exposure to fumes and smoke. These individuals play a critical role in maintaining the vessel's overall performance, as they ensure a steady supply of fuel is fed into the furnace, regulating the boiler pressure and optimizing the production of steam necessary for propulsion.
In modern times, the use of stokeholds has significantly decreased with the advent of more advanced propulsion systems, rendering them relatively obsolete on most maritime vessels.
Common Misspellings for STOKEHOLD
- atokehold
- ztokehold
- xtokehold
- dtokehold
- etokehold
- wtokehold
- srokehold
- sfokehold
- sgokehold
- syokehold
- s6okehold
- s5okehold
- stikehold
- stkkehold
- stlkehold
- stpkehold
- st0kehold
- st9kehold
- stojehold
Etymology of STOKEHOLD
The word "stokehold" is derived from the combination of two words: "stoke" and "hold".
The term "stoke" originated from Middle English "stoken" or "stokenen", which means "to poke" or "to prod". In the context of a ship, "stoke" refers to the action of tending a fire by adding fuel, such as coal, to maintain the necessary heat.
"Hold" comes from Old English "hald", which means "a place for storing or containing something". In the context of a ship, a "hold" refers to a storage area below deck.
Therefore, "stokehold" refers to the specific area on a ship where the boilers and furnaces are located. It is the place where the firemen and stokers work to maintain and control the heat for steam-powered engines.
Similar spelling words for STOKEHOLD
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