Carrack Meaning and Definition
Carrack
Pronunciation
/ˈkæræk/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A type of sailing ship that was popular during the Age of Exploration, characterized by its three or four masts and its use of lateen sails.
Examples
- The Portuguese explorer used a carrack to sail to Asia in the 15th century.
- Carracks were commonly used for trade and exploration during the 16th century.
Synonyms
- Ship
- Navigate
Antonyms
- Submarine
- Boat
Etymology
The word “carrack” comes from the Portuguese word “carraca”, which is derived from the Arabic word “qarrab”, meaning “ship”.
Usage Notes
The term “carrack” is often used in historical contexts to refer to the type of ship used during the Age of Exploration. It can also be used more broadly to refer to any type of ship with three or four masts.
Cultural References
The carrack has appeared in various forms of media, including books, films, and video games. For example, it is featured prominently in the “Assassin’s Creed” series.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Hollowed out like a carrack” is a phrase that means to be greatly injured or weakened.
Related Words or Phrases
- Ship
- Boat
- Sail
Collocations
- Carrack and exploration
- Carrack and trade
- Carrack and discovery
Frequency of Use
The word “carrack” is relatively rare in modern language, but it is still used by historians and naval enthusiasts to describe the ships of the past.
Common Misspellings
- Carrick
- Carick