Meaning & use
Capstan
Last updated
A rotating vertical cylinder, turned manually or mechanically, used on ships to wind in cables, ropes, or anchors.
See it in a sentence
The sailors pushed the capstan bars to haul up the heavy anchor.
The old capstan on the dock is now a decorative relic of the port's maritime past.
A note on using this word
A key piece of nautical equipment historically operated by sailors walking in a circle to turn it; modern versions are motorized.
Words with a similar meaning
winch
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