Definition

A valve located in the hull of a boat or ship that can be opened to allow water to enter, often used for filling a ballast tank.

Example

The sailor checked the seacock to ensure it was closed before setting sail.

Conversation

Have you ever checked the seacock on your boat before heading out?

No, I usually forget about it until we're already in the water.

You should definitely make it a habit; a faulty seacock can cause serious issues.

Good point! I'll add it to my pre-sailing checklist.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'seacock' is formed from 'sea' (from Old English 'sǣ', meaning the ocean or large body of saltwater) and 'cock' (from Old English 'coc', meaning a valve or tap). A seacock refers to a valve used to control the flow of water in and out of a boat, particularly in relation to the sea.

Memory Tip

Think of the 'sea' as the large body of water and 'cock' as a valve that controls it — a seacock is a valve that manages water flow from the sea.

Visually Confused Words