Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Metacentre
{
, Metˊa-cen′ter
orMetˊa-cen′tre
}Noun.
[Pref.
meta-
+ center
.] (Hydrostatics)
The point of intersection of a vertical line through the center of gravity of the fluid displaced by a floating body which is tipped through a small angle from its position of equilibrium, and the inclined line which was vertical through the center of gravity of the body when in equilibrium.
☞ When the metacenter is above the center of gravity, the position of the body is stable; when below it, unstable.
Definition 2024
metacentre
metacentre
English
Alternative forms
- metacenter (US)
Noun
metacentre (plural metacentres)
- (physics, shipbuilding) A midway point between a ship's centre of buoyancy when upright and its centre of buoyancy when tilted; it must be above the centre of gravity to enable a tilting ship to return to an upright position.
Anagrams
Etymology
From French métacentre, from méta- + centre.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈmɛtəsɛntə/
- Rhymes: -ɛntə(r)
Ship Stability diagram showing centre of gravity (G), centre of buoyancy (B), and metacentre (M) with ship upright and heeled over to one side.