metacentric

[ met-uh-sen-trik ]

adjective

1. Naval Architecture. of or relating to a metacenter.
2. Genetics. of or relating to any chromosome or chromatid whose centromere is centrally located, creating two apparently equal chromosome arms. Compare acentric ( def 2 ), acrocentric, telocentric.

Other Words From

• met·a·cen·tric·i·ty [met-, uh, -sen-, tris, -i-tee], noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of metacentric¹

meta- + -centric

Example Sentences

The metacentric height of a vessel is a term used in naval architecture to express the stability of the ship.

From Project Gutenberg

The measure of stability is expressed in inches of metacentric height.

From Project Gutenberg

Round the top of the scale, at D, are engraved four different draughts, and under these are the metacentric heights.

From Project Gutenberg