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

Derived forms: metacentres

Type of: intersection, intersection point, point of intersection

Encyclopedia: Metacentre