metacentre

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: met=a=cen=tre

CIDE DICTIONARY

metacentre, n. [Pref. meta- + center.].

 The point of intersection of a vertical line through the center of gravity of the fluid displaced by a floating body which is tipped through a small angle from its position of equilibrium, and the inclined line which was vertical through the center of gravity of the body when in equilibrium.  [1913 Webster]
" When the metacenter is above the center of gravity, the position of the body is stable; when below it, unstable."  [1913 Webster]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

metacentre, n. (US metacenter) the point of intersection between a line (vertical in equilibrium) through the centre of gravity of a floating body and a vertical line through the centre of pressure after a slight angular displacement, which must be above the centre of gravity to ensure stability.

Derivative

metacentric adj.

Etymology

F m{eacute}tacentre (as META-, CENTRE)