moonraker

English

WOTD – 5 March 2010

The moonraker is the sail at the very top of the mast.

Etymology

moon +‎ raker

Pronunciation

(UK) IPA^(key): /ˈmuːn.ɹeɪ.kə/
(US) IPA^(key): /ˈmuːn.ɹeɪ.kɚ/

Noun

moonraker (plural moonrakers)

Someone from Wiltshire. (After a story in which some Wiltshire peasants, seeing the reflection of the moon in a pool, tried to rake it out.)
(nautical) A small, light sail located high on a mast (above the skysail) and used for speed.

Synonyms

(small, light sail): moonsail

Translations

small, light sail high on a mast

Finnish: kuupurje
French: cacatois (fr), perruche (fr), bonnette (fr)

Russian: мунсель (munselʹ)
Spanish: juanete (es), perico (es)

Further reading

Moonrakers on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

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