mainsail

/'meinsl/

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Word: Mainsail

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: The mainsail is the large sail that is attached to the mainmast of a sailing boat or ship. It is usually the lowest sail on that mast and plays a crucial role in catching the wind to help the boat move forward.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "mainsail" when talking about sailing, boats, or ships.
• It is often mentioned in discussions about sailing techniques, types of sails, or sailing races.

Example Sentence:

• "The sailors hoisted the mainsail to catch the strong wind and speed up their boat."

Advanced Usage:

• In more technical discussions about sailing, you might hear terms like "reefing the mainsail," which refers to reducing the size of the mainsail in strong winds to maintain control of the boat.

Word Variants:

• Mainsails: This is the plural form of mainsail, referring to more than one mainsail on different boats.
• Mainsail area: This term describes the total surface area of the mainsail, which can influence the speed and performance of the boat.

Different Meaning:

While "mainsail" primarily refers to the sail on a boat, it does not have other meanings in different contexts.

Synonyms:

• Main sail: Sometimes written as two words, it refers to the same thing.
• Sail: A more general term that refers to any fabric surface used to catch wind on a boat.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "mainsail." However, in sailing, you might hear phrases like "trim the mainsail," which means adjusting the sail to optimize its position for better wind capture.

Summary:

The mainsail is an important part of sailing, allowing boats to harness wind power for movement.

Academic

Noun

1. the lowermost sail on the mainmast