cutwater
Ship's forward blade
A cutwater is the forward edge of a ship's prow—the sharp vertical timber or metal plate that cuts through the water as the vessel moves.
The term extends to the pointed upstream edge of a bridge pier, designed to divide the current and reduce pressure on the structure.
Both senses share the idea of a wedge-shaped element that parts water.
Plant's central axis
- forefootAnimal's anterior limb end
- prowVessel's forward section
- keelHull's structural base
- hullOuter covering or frame
bowsprit · figurehead · beakhead · waterline · draft · raked · flare · entry
Waterfront landing structure
- abutmentLoad-bearing end structure
- starlingGlossy gregarious passerine
- fenderProtective wheel housing
- icebreakerTension-easing social activity
piling · foundation · masonry · stonework · upstream · downstream · scour · footing
Chaotic flow patterns
- wakePath left in water
- sprayDispersed liquid droplets
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
- streamlinedMade smooth and efficient
displacement · friction · pressure · flow · parting · cleaving · wash · efficiency
stem
Plant's central axis
hull · bowsprit · figurehead · beakhead · waterline · draft · raked · flare · entry · planking
pier
Waterfront landing structure
icebreaker · piling · foundation · masonry · stonework · upstream · downstream · scour · footing · caisson
turbulence
Chaotic flow patterns
- wakePath left in water
- sprayDispersed liquid droplets
- resistanceCapacity to withstand force
streamlined · displacement · friction · pressure · flow · parting · cleaving · wash · efficiency · slicing
- hull partshull, keel, bow, stern, transom
- arch constructionkeystone, arch, vault, barrel vault, spandrel
- pumpselectric pump, mechanical pump, booster pump, diesel pump, electric pumps