different between amidships vs centerline

English

Alternative forms

• midships

Etymology

amid +? ships

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /??m?d.??ps/

Adverb

amidships (not comparable)

1. (nautical) In the middle of a ship, either longitudinally or laterally.

   [The U-boat captain] waited until the crosshairs lay directly amidships. “Torpedo ... los!”

   Two more torpedoes were fired; one ran erratic; the second hit amidships.

   The saloon, instead of being at the stern, according to the old method of construction, is placed more amidships.

   The main cabin, most amidships, was 8 feet 3 inches broad [...]

2. (nautical) Usually in the line of the keel, but sometimes halfway between bow and stern; often contracted to “midships.” (FM 55-501).
3. (figuratively) On the flank, at a vulnerable place.

Translations

Interjection

amidships

1. A helm order, normally shortened to midships!, to centre the helm in the line of the keel.

English

Alternative forms

• centreline, centre line

Etymology

center +? line

Noun

centerline (plural centerlines)

1. A line through the center that divides a shape into equal pieces.
   • 1978, US Department of Transportation, Traffic control for street and highway construction and maintenance operations

     It is particularly confusing when the motorist is channelized across the highway centerline. For long-term closures conflicting pavement markings must be removed or obliterated before relaning the roadway.

2. (martial arts, boxing) An imaginary line connecting the center of two fighters' bodies while they face each other.

Anagrams

• centreline