main yard

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The term "main yard" is a noun that refers to a specific part of a sailing ship. It is the horizontal pole or beam that supports the mainsail, which is the largest sail on the ship. The mainsail is important because it helps the ship catch the wind and move forward.

Usage Instructions:

• You would typically use "main yard" when talking about sailing, ships, or maritime activities.
• It is a technical term, so it's more likely to be used by sailors, shipbuilders, or in nautical contexts.

Example Sentence:

• "The crew worked together to raise the main yard so that the mainsail could catch the wind."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced nautical discussions, you might hear phrases like: - "Adjusting the main yard is crucial for optimal sail performance." - "The main yard must be inspected regularly to ensure it can withstand strong winds."

Word Variants:

• Mainsail: The large sail that is supported by the main yard.
• Yardarm: The outer part of the main yard, often used to hang flags or lights.

Different Meanings:

• In a non-nautical context, "yard" can refer to an area of land (like a backyard).
• "Main" can refer to something that is most important or primary.

Synonyms:

• Yard (in the context of a beam or pole)
• Mainsail yard (another term for the same concept)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

Since "main yard" is a specific nautical term, it does not have idioms or phrasal verbs commonly associated with it. However, here are some related terms: - "To sail under the main": This phrase refers to using the mainsail for navigation. - "Trim the sails": While not directly related to the main yard, it involves adjusting the sails for better wind catch, which includes the mainsail.

Academic

Noun

1. yard for a square mainsail