Meanings
-
1
noun
the main lengthwise structure along the bottom of a ship or boat, supporting its frame and helping stabilize it
The blast struck near the keel but did not break the vessel's hull.
-
2
noun
a prominent central ridge resembling a ship's keel, such as on a bird's breastbone or a flower petal
The bird's deep keel anchors the powerful muscles used in flight.
Thesaurus
Etymology
From Middle English kele, probably from Old Norse kjǫlr, 'keel,' and related to Old English cēol, 'ship.' The anatomical and botanical ridge senses arose by resemblance to the projecting structural line beneath a vessel.