Thickstrakes is a term used in boat building that refers to a type of plank that is thicker than the surrounding planks. The spelling of the word comes from its roots in Old English, where the "thick" sound was pronounced as a voiced dental fricative (ð) and the "strakes" ending was pronounced as a voiceless alveolar stop (t). Therefore, the correct IPA phonetic transcription for this word would be /θɪkstɹeɪks/. Proper spelling of technical terms such as thickstrakes is important for clear communication within the industry.
Thickstrakes is a nautical term referring to the planks or boards which make up the thicker or wider sections of a ship's hull. In shipbuilding, the term "strake" refers to a continuous line of planks or plates that run along the length of the ship's sides, from the bow to the stern, forming the external covering of the vessel's framework.
Thickstrakes specifically refer to those strakes that are wider and thicker than others, providing the ship with additional strength, stability, and buoyancy. These planks are often made from durable and dense timber or, in modern shipbuilding, can be constructed from reinforced metal or composite materials.
The purpose of incorporating thickstrakes into a ship's construction is to reinforce critical sections of the hull that are subjected to greater stress and pressure, such as in the area where the bow plunges into large waves or where the vessel comes into contact with docks or other ships. By using thicker planks or plates in these areas, shipbuilders aim to enhance the structural integrity of the vessel, ensuring its ability to withstand the forces exerted upon it in various maritime conditions.
Thickstrakes play a crucial role in maintaining the overall seaworthiness and longevity of a ship, being an integral part of its construction. Their durability and strength contribute significantly to the ship's ability to face turbulent waters, navigate safely, and withstand harsh environments.
The word "thickstrakes" is a combination of two separate words: "thick" and "strakes".
1. "Thick" - The word "thick" has Old English roots and can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "theku", meaning "dense" or "cohesive". Over time, it evolved into Middle English and took on the meaning of "having a large distance between opposite sides", which is the sense used in "thickstrakes".
2. "Strakes" - The term "strake" has Middle English origins and was derived from the Old English word "streccan", which means "to stretch". In the context of nautical terminology, a "strake" refers to a continuous row of planks or plates used in shipbuilding for constructing the hull.