metacentre: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Rare/Specialised)Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “metacentre” mean?
In naval architecture, the theoretical point in a ship's cross-section where an imaginary vertical line through the centre of buoyancy intersects a line through a new centre of buoyancy after the ship tilts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In naval architecture, the theoretical point in a ship's cross-section where an imaginary vertical line through the centre of buoyancy intersects a line through a new centre of buoyancy after the ship tilts.
A fundamental concept in hydrostatics and ship stability calculations, used to determine initial stability (righting ability) when a vessel is inclined at a small angle. A higher metacentre indicates greater initial stability.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Primarily spelling: UK 'metacentre' vs US 'metacenter'. The concept and usage are identical.
Connotations
None beyond technical precision.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties, used only within naval architecture, marine engineering, and related physics.
Grammar
How to Use “metacentre” in a Sentence
The metacentre of [ship/vessel/body][Calculation/Determination] of the metacentreA metacentre [above/below] [point]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “metacentre” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The metacentric height was insufficient.
- A metacentric diagram was plotted.
American English
- The metacenter height was insufficient.
- A metacentric diagram was plotted.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in naval architecture, marine engineering, and physics/engineering textbooks and papers on hydrostatics.
Everyday
Never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Found in ship design specifications, stability manuals, and naval engineering calculations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “metacentre”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “metacentre”
- Confusing 'metacentre' with 'centre of gravity' or 'centre of buoyancy'.
- Using it in non-nautical contexts.
- Misspelling as 'metacenter' in UK contexts or vice-versa.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. The centre of gravity is the point where the weight of the ship acts. The metacentre is a geometric property related to the shape of the underwater hull and buoyancy when tilted.
It is the key parameter for calculating a ship's initial righting lever (GZ) and thus its tendency to return to upright after a small tilt. It is fundamental to safe ship design.
No, the metacentre is a hydrostatic concept for floating bodies. Aircraft stability is analysed using different aerodynamic centres and moments.
Yes. For a given hull shape, it changes with the ship's displacement and trim. Adding or removing weight, or changing the distribution of weight (like fuel consumption), alters the centre of gravity relative to the metacentre, affecting stability.
In naval architecture, the theoretical point in a ship's cross-section where an imaginary vertical line through the centre of buoyancy intersects a line through a new centre of buoyancy after the ship tilts.
Metacentre is usually technical/scientific in register.
Metacentre: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtəˌsɛntə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɛtəˌsɛntər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a ship MET a CENTRE (centre) of balance. The point (centre) it meets when tilting determines if it's stable (meets approval) or capsizes (a bad meeting).
Conceptual Metaphor
NA (Highly technical term with no common metaphorical extension.)
Practice
Quiz
What does the metacentric height directly indicate?