Main Entry: car·a·vel

Pronunciation: \ˈker-ə-ˌvel, ˈka-rə-, -vəl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle French caravelle, from Old Portuguese caravela

Date: 1527

: any of several sailing ships; specifically : a small 15th and 16th century ship that has broad bows, high narrow poop, and usually three masts with lateen or both square and lateen sails

[caravel illustration]