Entry Word: vessel

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a large craft for travel by water <a new ocean liner that claims to be the largest commercial vessel afloat> — see ship
2 a small buoyant structure for travel on water <any vessel that is buoyant and steerable can be entered in the annual race down the river> — see boat 1
3 a usually circular utensil for holding something (as food) <uses a large copper vessel for beating egg whites> — see dish
4 something into which a liquid or smaller objects can be put for storage or transportation <any watertight vessel can be used for mixing the paints> — see container