abeam

[ uh-beem ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adverb

Nautical, Aeronautics. at right angles to the fore-and-aft line:
The vessel was sailing with the wind directly abeam.
directly abreast the middle of a ship's side.

abeam

/ əˈbiːm /

postpositive at right angles to the length and directly opposite the centre of a vessel or aircraft

Origin of abeam¹

First recorded in 1830–40; a- ¹ + beam

Origin of abeam¹

C19: a- ² + beam

The Sally had crept up until she was almost abeam of the Surprise, and was gaining, ever so slowly, but surely.

They had the wind almost abeam from the westward, and went along at a good clip in a smooth sea.

In a short time we also kept away with the wind almost abeam, a point on which the Foam sailed her best.

Ahead, abeam, on our quarter we looked, but nowhere could we discern the faintest trace of her.

There was half a gale blowing on the 4th and though the wind was abeam, the sail was reefed and we moved quickly.

April 19, 2024tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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