metacenter

noun

meta·​cen·​ter ˈme-tə-ˌsen-tər How to pronounce metacenter (audio)
: the point of intersection of the vertical through the center of buoyancy of a floating body with the vertical through the new center of buoyancy when the body is displaced

Illustration of metacenter

Illustration of metacenter
  • 1 center of gravity
  • 2 center of buoyancy
  • 3 new center of buoyancy when floating body is displaced
  • 4 point of intersection

Word History

Etymology

French métacentre, from méta- meta- + centre center

First Known Use

1765, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of metacenter was in 1765

Dictionary Entries Near metacenter

Cite this Entry

“Metacenter.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metacenter. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!