Definitions for binnacle
ˈbɪn ə kəlbin·na·cle

Princeton's WordNetRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. binnaclenoun

   a nonmagnetic housing for a ship's compass (usually in front of the helm)

WiktionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. binnaclenoun

   The wooden housing for a ship's compass, with its corrector magnets and illuminating arrangements; the log and other equipment for measuring the ship's speed is also stowed there.

2. binnaclenoun

   The instrument cluster on a car or motorcycle.

ChatGPTRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. binnacle

   A binnacle is a built-in housing or case for a ship's compass. It is usually located in a central, accessible location on the ship's deck so that navigators can easily read the compass and adjust the ship's course. A traditional binnacle often includes a lighting system to illuminate the compass at night.

Webster DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Binnaclenoun

   a case or box placed near the helmsman, containing the compass of a ship, and a light to show it at night

WikidataRate this definition:1.0 / 1 vote

1. Binnacle

   A binnacle is a waist-high case or stand on the deck of a ship, generally mounted in front of the helmsman, in which navigational instruments are placed for easy and quick reference as well as to protect the delicate instruments. Its traditional purpose was to hold the ship's magnetic compass, mounted in gimbals to keep it level while the ship pitched and rolled. A binnacle may be subdivided into sections and its contents typically include one or more compasses and an oil lamp or other light source. Other devices such as a sand timer for estimating speed may have been stored in the binnacle as well. The construction of many early binnacles used iron nails, which were later discovered to cause magnetic deviations in compass readings. As the development of the compass and understanding of magnetism progressed, greater attention was given to binnacle construction to avoid compass disturbances caused by iron. With the introduction of iron-clad ships the magnetic deviation observed in compasses became more severe. Methods of compensation by arranging iron or magnetic objects near the binnacle were developed. In 1854, a new type of binnacle was patented by John Gray of Liverpool which directly incorporated adjustable correcting magnets on screws or rack and pinions. This was improved again when Lord Kelvin patented in the 1880s another system of compass and which incorporated two compensating magnets. These are colloquially known as "Kelvin's Balls" in the UK, and "Navigator's Balls" in the US.

Chambers 20th Century DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Binnacle

   bin′a-kl, n. (naut.) the box in which on shipboard the compass is kept. [Formerly bittacle—Port. bitácola—L. habitaculum, a dwelling-place—habit-āre, to dwell.]

The Standard Electrical DictionaryRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Binnacle

   The case containing a mariner's compass on shipboard. It is enclosed completely; it has a glass side or window through which the compass can be seen, and is provided with one or two lamps arranged to light the card, while showing as little light as possible outside.

Dictionary of Nautical TermsRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. binnacle

   (formerly BITTACLE). It appears evidently to be derived from the French term habittacle, a small habitation, which is now used for the same purpose by the seamen of that nation. The binnacle is a wooden case or box, which contains the compass, and a light to illuminate the compass at night; there are usually three binnacles on the deck of a ship-of-war, two near the helm being designed for the man who steers, weather and lee, and the other amidships, 10 or 12 feet before these, where the quarter-master, who conns the ship, stands when steering, or going with a free wind. (See conn.)

Matched Categories

1. • Housing

How to pronounce binnacle?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say binnacle in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of binnacle in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of binnacle in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6

Popularity rank by frequency of use

References

1. ^ Princeton's WordNet
   http://wordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn?s=binnacle
2. ^ Wiktionary
   https://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/Binnacle
3. ^ ChatGPT
   https://chat.openai.com
4. ^ Webster Dictionary
   https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/binnacle
5. ^ Wikidata
   https://www.wikidata.org/w/index.php?search=binnacle
6. ^ Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
   https://www.gutenberg.org/files/37683/37683-h/37683-h.htm#:~:text=binnacle
7. ^ The Standard Electrical Dictionary
   https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/26535/pg26535-images.html#:~:text=binnacle
8. ^ Dictionary of Nautical Terms
   https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/26000/pg26000-images.html#:~:text=binnacle