binnacle


bin·na·cle

noun \ˈbi-ni-kəl\

Definition of BINNACLE

: a housing for a ship's compass and a lamp

Origin of BINNACLE

alteration of Middle English bitakle, from Old Portuguese or Old Spanish; Old Portuguese bitácola & Old Spanish bitácula, from Latin habitaculum dwelling place, from habitare to inhabit — more at habitation
First Known Use: 1762

Rhymes with BINNACLE

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: binnacle list
Previous Word in the Dictionary: binna
All Words Near: binnacle

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up binnacle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Test Your Vocabulary

Take Our 10-Question Quiz

Name That Thing

Take our visual vocab quiz

Test Your Knowledge »

True or False?

A quick quiz about stuff worth knowing

Take It Now »

Join Us on FB & Twitter

Get the Word of the Day and More

Facebook | Twitter

Get Our Free Apps

Voice Search, Favorites,
Word of the Day, and More

iPhone | iPad | Android | More