metacenter Meaning, Definition & Usage
-
noun (shipbuilding) the point of intersection between two vertical lines, one line through the center of buoyancy of the hull of a ship in equilibrium and the other line through the center of buoyancy of the hull when the ship is inclined to one side; the distance of this intersection above the center of gravity is an indication of the stability of the ship
metacentre.
WordNet
Met`a*cen"ter, -tre noun
(Also<
- Metacenter
- Metacentre
)
Etymology
Pref.Definitions
(Hydrostatics) The point of intersection of a vertical line through the center of gravity of the fluid displaced by a floating body which is tipped through a small angle from its position of equilibrium, and the inclined line which was vertical through the center of gravity of the body when in equilibrium. ✍ When the metacenter is above the center of gravity, the position of the body is stable; when below it, unstable.
