Definitions for capstan

capstan cap·stan

Spelling: [kap-stuh n, -stan]
IPA: /ˈkæp stən, -stæn/

Capstan is a 7 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 11 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 14 points.

You can make 166 anagrams from letters in capstan (aacnpst).

Definitions for capstan

noun

  1. any of various windlasses, rotated in a horizontal plane by hand or machinery, for winding in ropes, cables, etc.
  2. a rotating spindle or shaft, powered by an electric motor, that transports magnetic tape past the heads of a tape recorder at a constant speed.

Origin of capstan

1350-1400; Middle English Middle French cabestan(t) Old Provençal cabestan, variant of cabestran, presumably present participle of *cabest(r)ar, a verbal derivative of cabestre halter Latin c

Examples for capstan

The hatchway was closed, and the order to man the capstan was given a third time.

The messenger is brought to the capstan, or the cable to the windlass.

The gripes were now loosened, and the fall of one of the tackles was led to the capstan.

And none of them attempted to cut your lasso from their capstan?

Then Captain Mayo heard the steady clanking of capstan pawls.

He got round an old man's heart like a rope round a capstan.

The capstan bars are manned; the sunken cable is drawn taut.

Working at the windlass or capstan with more than usual exertion.

Suddenly the capstan went round an inch; then another and another.

capstan shanties are readily distinguishable by their music.

Word Value for capstan
Scrable

11

Words with friends

14

Similar words for capstan
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