1. (shipbuilding) the point of intersection between two vertical lines, one line through the center of buoyancy of the hull of a ship in equilibrium and the other line through the center of buoyancy of the hull when the ship is inclined to one side; the distance of this intersection above the center of gravity is an indication of the stability of the ship
   "The naval architect calculated the metacenter to ensure the vessel's stability in rough seas";
   - metacentre [Brit, Cdn]

Derived forms: metacenters

Type of: intersection, intersection point, point of intersection

Encyclopedia: Metacenter