bulkhead
noun/ˈbʌlk.hɛd/
Etymology From Old Norse bálkr (“partition”) + head, anglicised as bulk + head.
Nautical, Transport A vertical partition dividing the hull into separate compartments; often made watertight to prevent excessive flooding if the ship's hull is breached.
- Lastly, Lundberg went belowdecks to inspect the boat's bulkheads and hull—for what, it was not clear, since he had absolutely no knowledge of steamboat design.2003, Edward T. O'Donnell, Ship Ablaze: The Tragedy of the Steamboat General Slocum, page 54:
Aerospace, Business, Engineering, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Rail transport, Railways, Transport A similar partition in an aircraft or spacecraft, or some rail vehicles.
- For rigidity, two bulkheads are provided which are welded to the sides and underframe and which separate the cabs from the engine room.1958 September 23, “Swindon's First Main-Line Diesel Locomotive”, in Railway Magazine, page 601:
- Folding blinds are fitted to the cab bulkhead windows and sunblinds at the driving windows.1959 January 23, “Single-Unit Diesel Railcars for the Western Region”, in Railway Magazine, page 58:
Engineering, Mechanical engineering, Mechanics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A partition or panel through which connectors pass, or a connector designed to pass through a partition.
A pressure-resistant sealed barrier to any fluid in a large structure.
A retaining wall along a waterfront.
Maine A cellar hatchway.
Rhode Island; Massachusetts; Rhode Island; Massachusetts
- She bumped her noggin on the bulkhead above the doorway, smiled in apology for her presumed clumsiness.2003, John Farris, The Fury and the Power:
- Derived terms
- bulkheaded, bulkheading, bulkhead line, collision bulkhead, forepeak bulkhead, nonbulkhead