What is another word for capstan?

Pronunciation: [kˈapstən] (IPA)

A capstan is a mechanical device used for winding or unwinding heavy objects such as anchor chains, ropes, cables, or even winching systems. Other synonyms for "capstan" include winch, windlass, windlass machine, capstern, or capstans. A winch refers to a small mechanical device that is used to lift and pull objects. A windlass is a larger device that is used to hoist or lower different objects vertically. A windlass machine uses a combination of gears and levers to move heavy weights, while a capstern is a medieval mechanical system that uses a rotating drum to raise or lower objects. Whatever the name, these devices have been essential machines in human history for centuries, and their practical usefulness continues to this day.

Synonyms for Capstan:

What are the hypernyms for Capstan?

A hypernym is a word with a broad meaning that encompasses more specific words called hyponyms.

What are the hyponyms for Capstan?

Hyponyms are more specific words categorized under a broader term, known as a hypernym.

Usage examples for Capstan

I could tell that they had taken the haulyards to the after capstan.
"The Ghost Pirates"
William Hope Hodgson
O do you hear the capstan-chaunty!
"The Ghost Pirates"
William Hope Hodgson
When several men work at the same capstan the combination is simple, because one man does exactly the same as the others.
"Political economy"
W. Stanley Jevons

Famous quotes with Capstan

  • The past was real. The present, all about me, was unreal, unnatural, repellent. I saw the big ships lying in the stream... the home of hardship and hopelessness; the boats passing to and fro; the cries of the sailors at the capstan or falls; the peopled beach; the large hide houses, with their gangs of men; and the Kanakas interspersed everywhere. All, all were gone! Not a vestige to mark where one hide house stood. The oven, too, was gone. I searched for its site, and found, where I thought it should be, a few broken bricks and bits of mortar. I alone was left of all, and how strangely was I here! What changes to me! Where were they all? Why should I care for them — poor Kanakas and sailors, the refuse of civilization, the outlaws and the beachcombers of the Pacific! Time and death seemed to transfigure them. Doubtless nearly all were dead; but how had they died, and where? In hospitals, in fever climes, in dens of vice, or falling from the mast, or dropping exhausted from the wreck "When for a moment, like a drop of rain/He sinks into thy depths with bubbling groan/Without a grave, unknelled, uncoffined, and unknown." The lighthearted boys are now hardened middle-aged men, if the seas, rocks, fevers, and the deadlier enemies that beset a sailor's life on shore have spared them; and the then strong men have bowed themselves, and the earth or sea has covered them. How softening is the effect of time! It touches us through the affections. I almost feel as if I were lamenting the passing away of something loved and dear — the boats, the Kanakas, the hides, my old shipmates! Death, change, distance, lend them a character which makes them quite another thing.
    Richard Henry Dana

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