BINNACLE Definition & Meaning

binnacle

[ bin-uh-kuhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Nautical.

a stand or enclosure of wood or nonmagnetic metal for supporting and housing a compass.

binnacle

[ bin-uh-kuhl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

New York State Older Use.

a side branch of a river; millrace.

binnacle

/ ˈ��ɪ��ə��ə�� /

noun

a housing for a ship's compass

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of binnacle¹

1615–25; bin + ( bitt ) acle ( late Middle English bitakille ) < Portuguese bitacola < Latin �󲹲��峦�ܱ��ܳ� lodge, equivalent to �󲹲��- ( inhabit ) + -culum -cule ²

Origin of binnacle²

1855–60, Americanism; probably folk-etymological spelling of New York Dutch *binnekil, equivalent to Dutch binne ( n ) inner, interior ( ben ¹ ) + kil channel; kill ²

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of binnacle¹

C17: changed from C15 bitakle , from Portuguese ��á��ܱ�� , from Late Latin �󲹲��峦�ܱ��ܳ� dwelling-place, from Latin �󲹲�� to inhabit; spelling influenced by bin

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

Nat stood near the compass, holding his watch so that he could read the face in the glow of the binnacle lamp.

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The instrument cluster — a thin, curved LCD panel — replaces the usual gauge binnacle.

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Every version comes loaded with double-layered glass, fully adjustable heated rear seats, real wood trim, a 12-inch high-definition touch navigation screen and a binnacle between the front seats that can recharge your smart phone wirelessly.

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Under the front binnacle, the display integrates status readouts with ongoing route data.

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On one side of the structure is a protruding gray steel window that Mr. Radic likens to a binnacle, the box that encases a ship’s compass.

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