towline

Thân thiện

A small boat uses a towline to pull a dinghy across the calm harbor.

Definition

Noun: A rope, cable, or line used for pulling or towing a vessel, vehicle, or object. It is specifically associated with the act of towing, where one object provides the motive power to pull another.

Usage

The word "towline" is used to refer to the physical connection between the towing vehicle/vessel and the object being towed. It is a specific term, most commonly used in nautical, automotive, and industrial contexts.

Examples

• The tugboat attached a sturdy towline to the disabled ship.
• Before pulling the car out of the ditch, they secured the towline to its frame.
• The sailors carefully coiled the wet towline on the deck after the operation.

Advanced Usage

• "To pay out the towline": To let the towline out to a desired length.
• "The towline parted": A formal or nautical way to say the towline broke or snapped under strain.

Variants and Related Words

• Towrope: A direct synonym for towline.
• Hauling line: A more general term that can include a towline.
• Cable: Often used when the towline is made of metal, especially for heavy-duty towing.

Synonyms

• Towrope
• Hauling line
• Dragline (in specific contexts like dredging or mining)

Related Phrases

• On a towline: Being towed.
  • The barge was on a long towline behind the tug.
• Take in tow: To begin towing something.
  • The coast guard vessel took the drifting sailboat in tow.

Notes

"Towline" is a compound noun formed from "tow" + "line." It refers specifically to the line used for the action of towing. It is not used as a verb.

Học thuật

Noun

1. (nautical) a rope used in towing

Từ đồng nghĩa

• towrope
• towing line
• towing rope