quilha
1. The longitudinal structural element along the bottom of a ship's hull that provides stability and prevents lateral movement
The ship's keel was damaged after hitting the rocks.
A quilha do navio foi danificada após bater nas rochas.
2. To turn a ship upside down or capsize
The strong waves threatened to keel the small boat.
As ondas fortes ameaçavam virar o pequeno barco.
3. A ridge or projection resembling a ship's keel on other objects
The bird's breastbone has a prominent keel for wing muscle attachment.
O esterno da ave tem uma quilha proeminente para a fixação dos músculos das asas.
The term 'keel' is primarily used in maritime and nautical contexts in both American English and Brazilian Portuguese. The phrase 'on an even keel' is commonly used metaphorically in business and everyday conversation to mean stability or balance. In Brazil, the term is technical and used mainly by sailors, engineers, and in shipping industries.
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