vessel

ves·sel

noun \ˈve-səl\

Definition of VESSEL

1

a : a container (as a cask, bottle, kettle, cup, or bowl) for holding something b : a person into whom some quality (as grace) is infused <a child of light, a true vessel of the Lord — H. J. Laski>

2

: a watercraft bigger than a rowboat; especially : ship 1

3

a : a tube or canal (as an artery) in which a body fluid is contained and conveyed or circulated b : a conducting tube in the xylem of a vascular plant formed by the fusion and loss of end walls of a series of cells

Examples of VESSEL

1. <a new ocean liner that claims to be the largest commercial vessel afloat>
2. <any vessel that is buoyant and steerable can be entered in the annual race down the river>

Origin of VESSEL

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin vascellum, diminutive of Latin vas vase, vessel

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VESSEL

Synonyms: boat, keel, ship

Related Words: aircraft carrier, argosy, barge, coaster, collier, containership, corvette, cruiser, cutter, destroyer, ferryboat, flagship, freighter, icebreaker, ironclad, lightship, liner, man-of-war (also man-o'-war), merchantman, merchant ship, motor ship, packet, steamer, steamship, superliner, supertanker, tanker, trader, tramp, transport, warship, watercraft; bark (or barque), brig, brigantine, caravel, clipper, junk, ketch, sailboat, schooner, square-rigger, tall ship, windjammer, xebec, yacht

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Other Nautical Terms

avast, aweigh, flotsam, jib, keel, lee, port, starboard, stay

Rhymes with VESSEL

decile, nestle, pestle, wrestle