wind sail

[ wind ]

noun

, Nautical.

1. a sail rigged over a hatchway, ventilator, or the like, to divert moving air downward into the vessel.

Word History and Origins

Origin of wind sail¹

First recorded in 1715–25

Example Sentences

“What happens is a tree ends up being a lot bigger at the top, its weight displacement is off, it creates a big wind sail on tops of the trees, and they are much more likely to fall over in windstorms,” Cuttitte says.

From Seattle Times

When you’re in the sled, you’re trying to get as low as you can, and if you have a huge upper body you become a wind sail.

From New York Times

The saloon was ventilated through the doors at the head of the companionway and through the skylight, but there was no sort of wind sail or device to force the air down.

From Project Gutenberg

Do not be afraid, little boy! blow, blow, wind! sail away, ship!

From Project Gutenberg

If circumstances make it necessary to sail close to the wind, sail close to the wind; but let both be in the same boat.

From Project Gutenberg