lateen

Everyday

1. A lateen sail is a triangular sail tied to a long pole that hangs at an angle on a short mast. tree →
2. A boat with such a sail. tree →

In the lessons

In history lessons about exploration and trade, lateen sails helped Arab dhows, and later Portuguese caravels, sail closer to the wind, making long sea journeys possible. In science, they show how sails use wind from the side. Phrases: lateen sail, lateen-rigged.

Examples

• The dhow has a large lateen sail. tree →
• A lateen sail is shaped like a triangle. tree →
• Portuguese explorers used ships with lateen sails. tree →
• The lateen sail let the boat sail against the wind. tree →
• On the Nile, feluccas still use lateen sails. tree →
• We drew a caravel with three lateen sails. tree →

Note

Usually used before «sail». Pronounced luh-TEEN. The name comes from French «latine», meaning Latin (Mediterranean).