'Metacentre' definitions:
Definition of 'metacentre'
(from WordNet)
noun
(shipbuilding) the point of intersection between two vertical lines, one line through the center of buoyancy of the hull of a ship in equilibrium and the other line through the center of buoyancy of the hull when the ship is inclined to one side; the distance of this intersection above the center of gravity is an indication of the stability of the ship [syn: metacenter, metacentre]
Definition of 'Metacentre'
From: GCIDE
- Metacenter \Met`a*cen"ter\or Metacentre \Met`a*cen"tre\, n. [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. [1913 Webster]
- Note: When the metacenter is above the center of gravity, the position of the body is stable; when below it, unstable. [1913 Webster]