How Do You Spell OUTHAUL?

Pronunciation: [a͡ʊthˈɔːl] (IPA)

The word "Outhaul" refers to a rope used to extend the foot of a sail. It is pronounced as /ˈaʊt.hɔl/ where the first syllable is stressed. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is "aʊt" for the first syllable, which represents a diphthong sound that combines the "a" sound as in "cat" and "u" sound as in "mood." The second syllable "hɔl" is pronounced as "haul" with the "h" sound and the vowel sound represented in the transcription by "ɔ".

OUTHAUL Meaning and Definition

1. The term "outhaul" refers to a nautical device or system used to adjust the tension and control the position of a sail on a sailing vessel, particularly on a sailboat with a boom. The outhaul is responsible for controlling the depth and shape of the sail's foot, which is the lower edge of the sail that is attached to the boom.

   The outhaul consists of a line or rope that is attached to the aft end of the boom. This line can be adjusted in length, either by pulling or releasing it, to tighten or loosen the foot of the sail. By lengthening the outhaul, the foot of the sail is loosened, allowing the sail to have a deeper shape, and vice versa. This adjustment is crucial in maintaining the proper sail shape and optimizing performance in different wind conditions.

   The outhaul is typically rigged through a series of blocks or pulleys, allowing sailors to easily adjust the tension from the cockpit or deck without having to go to the boom itself. Some modern sailboats may even have mechanical or hydraulic systems to control the outhaul tension, enhancing convenience and ease of use.

   In summary, the outhaul is a sailing device that allows sailors to control and adjust the tension and shape of the foot of a sail, ensuring optimal performance and adaptability to changing wind conditions.

Common Misspellings for OUTHAUL

• outhayl
• Outhaum

Etymology of OUTHAUL

The word "outhaul" comes from the combination of two English words: "out" and "haul".

The term "haul" originated from the Old Norse word "hala", which means "to pull". It entered the English language during the late 14th century, referring to the action of dragging or pulling something. Over time, "haul" evolved to also describe the act of tightening or adjusting ropes or lines on a sailing vessel.

The prefix "out" indicates the direction or location away from something. In the case of "outhaul", it signifies the outward movement or extension of a line or rope on a sailboat.

In sailing, the outhaul is a line used to adjust the tension of the foot of the sail, controlling its shape and power.

Plural form of OUTHAUL is OUTHAULS