Caravel
(noun)
A small, highly maneuverable ship used by Portuguese and Spanish sailors for exploring and trading, especially in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Origin:
Late middle english: from old portuguese caravela, from cara "face", from the ship's triangular shape at the front.
Examples:
- Christopher Columbus sailed across the Atlantic on three caravels.
- The caravels were equipped with lateen sails, making them ideal for long voyages.
- The caravels were faster and more agile than the large merchant ships of their time.
- The caravels were instrumental in the Age of Discovery and the expansion of European trade.
- The caravel was a major technological advancement in seafaring, allowing sailors to explore new worlds.