"Windlass" Pronounce,Meaning And Examples

"Windlass" Natural Recordings by Native Speakers

Windlass
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"Windlass" Meaning

A tackle or block, often consisting of a vertical axis and a horizontal bar or "schematic", at the end of which is attached the rope used to raise, suspending or holding loads; specifically, a windlass of the latter type.

"Windlass" Examples

Examples of "Windlass"


1. Climbing Ropes

When a climber needs to ascend steep terrain, they use a windlass, a type or pulley block with a hand crank, to lift ropes and move the climbing gear more efficiently.

2. Sailing History

Sailors have been using windlasses in sails since ancient times to raise the sails by turning a handle that tightens the sheets and hoists the sail.

3. Navigation Equipment

On sailboats and small ships, a windlass is used for towing and anchoring. It is a simpler, easier way to lift heavy weights, such as anchors, compared to traditional pulley systems.

4. Industrial Applications

In industry, devices with a windlass are used in factories, mining and transportation for moving heavy loads. It's often powered mechanically.

5. Shipyard and Construction

In shipyards, a windlass mechanism is also used in various construction and outfitting phases to lift heavy items into place, especially during dry dock repairs.

Remember, windlasses are somewhat specialized pieces of equipment that have been crucial for various tasks for centuries, often in maritime contexts but also in industrial applications where heavy lifting is required.

"Windlass" Similar Words

Windhoek

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Windhoek is the capital and largest city of Namibia, a country located in southern Africa.

Windhover

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The phrase "windhover" refers to a 1960s British rock band.

Windier

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Further than windy, blown by stronger winds.

Windiest

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Most windy.

Windily

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In a windy or blowing manner; in a way characterized by strong, blowing air. <br><br>Example: "The trees swayed windily in the storm."

Winding

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Curving or turning in a twisting or turning direction.<br><br>Example: The winding road led up to the mountain.<br><br>Synonyms: twisting, turning, curved.<br><br>Antonyms: straight, direct.<br><br>Note: The word "winding" can also refer to something that is circular in shape or makes a curved path.

Windings

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The word "windings" can have different meanings depending on the context. Here are a few possible interpretations:<br><br>1. A winding path or road: A twisting or turning path or road, often in a hilly or mountainous area.<br><br>Example: "The winding road led us through the picturesque countryside."<br><br>2. Twisted or turned threads or fibers: Coiled or twisted strands of material, such as rope, wire, or fabric.<br><br>Example: "The sail's windings were all damaged after the storm."<br><br>3. Layered or coiled material: A series of concentric layers or coils of something, such as cable or rope.<br><br>Example: "The rope had been badly damaged at its windings."<br><br>4. Electrical circuits: A winding or rotating part of an electrical device, such as a motor or generator.<br><br>Example: "The machine's windings were overheating due to the malfunction."<br><br>5. As a verb, meaning to wrap or twist around: To turn or twist around something, often in a rounded, curved shape.<br><br>Example: "The vines wound around the tree branches."

Windjammer

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A windjammer is a type of traditional sailing vessel, typically a large, square-rigged ship that is driven by wind power, often used for pleasure cruising, educational purposes, or research.

Windlasses

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Windlasses are mechanical devices that use a combination of gears and levers to move heavy loads, typically for lifting or winding heavy objects such as anchors, chains, or ropes. They often consist of a drum or cylinder with a rope or cable wrapped around it, connected to a system of gears and levers that are turned by hand or with the aid of a winch or motor.<br><br> Historically, windlasses were used by sailing vessels to raise anchors and secure them in place, preparing for departure or maneuvering in tight spaces. Modern applications include oil rigs, construction sites, and other industrial settings where heavy loads need to be lifted or moved with precision.<br><br>The term "windlass" is derived from the Old English words "wind" (meaning "to turn" or "to twist") and "læss" (meaning "a manage" or "a rope"). Over time, the term has come to encompass a wide range of devices used for lifting and maneuvering heavy loads, both on land and at sea.

Windless

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Having no wind; still or calm; not blowing; lacking or showing no air in motion.

Windmill

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A tall, rotating machine with sails or blades that use the wind to turn a rotor and drive a mechanical system.

Windmilling

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Verb: to operate or work a windmill.<br><br>Example: The mill would windmill his arms to pump water from the well.<br><br>Idiomatic expression: to windmill (someone): to try to regain control or attention of someone (usually in a conversation or situation).<br><br>Example: She tried to windmill him back into the discussion, but he had already moved on to another topic.

Windmills

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A large structure with rotating blades that are used to generate power.<br><br>A vertical axis windmill uses a rotating axis that turns the entire structure.<br><br>Windmills have been used for many centuries, primarily for grinding grain into flour.<br><br>On land, windmills typically have tall, slender towers and large, broad wings that can be adjusted to optimize energy production.<br><br>There are many types of windmills including the post mill, the tower mill, and the mill tower.

Window-pane

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A window-pane is a single glass or glazing unit that makes up part of a window. It's a flat, transparent surface that allows light to enter a room while keeping the elements out. Window-panes are often framed by a surrounding frame or molding, and can be made of various types of glass, such as single-pane, double-pane, or insulated glass.

Window-shopping

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Window-shopping is when people look at and admire goods or merchandise in shop windows, often to get an idea of what's available or to simply enjoy the experience, but without intending to make a purchase.

Window-sill

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A narrow ledge or shelf, typically horizontal, below a window, supporting and framing it, often used to rest objects on or to sit on.