binnacle

¹

[ bin-uh-kuhl ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a stand or enclosure of wood or nonmagnetic metal for supporting and housing a compass.

binnacle

²

[ bin-uh-kuhl ]

New York State Older Use.

1. a side branch of a river; millrace.

binnacle

/ ˈbɪnəkəl /

noun

1. a housing for a ship's compass

Word History and Origins

Origin of binnacle¹

1615–25; bin + ( bitt ) acle ( late Middle English bitakille ) < Portuguese bitacola < Latin habitāculum lodge, equivalent to habitā- ( inhabit ) + -culum -cule ²

Origin of binnacle²

1855–60, Americanism; probably folk-etymological spelling of New York Dutch *binnekil, equivalent to Dutch binne ( n ) inner, interior ( ben ¹ ) + kil channel; kill ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of binnacle¹

C17: changed from C15 bitakle , from Portuguese bitácula , from Late Latin habitāculum dwelling-place, from Latin habitāre to inhabit; spelling influenced by bin

Example Sentences

Nat stood near the compass, holding his watch so that he could read the face in the glow of the binnacle lamp.

From Literature

The instrument cluster — a thin, curved LCD panel — replaces the usual gauge binnacle.

From New York Times

Every version comes loaded with double-layered glass, fully adjustable heated rear seats, real wood trim, a 12-inch high-definition touch navigation screen and a binnacle between the front seats that can recharge your smart phone wirelessly.

From Golf Digest

Under the front binnacle, the display integrates status readouts with ongoing route data.

From Wall Street Journal

On one side of the structure is a protruding gray steel window that Mr. Radic likens to a binnacle, the box that encases a ship’s compass.

From New York Times