One of the clinometers aboard USS Blueback, but commonly found on many ships and submarines. (This one is measuring roll and shows about a 1-degree port list.)

Definition

Noun

  • A device for measuring the angle of a roll, heel, or list.

Origin

19th century. A made-up term from the Greek clino, meaning to cause to lean, and metron, meaning to measure.

Comments

These are useful for knowing how much the motion of the ocean is affecting your vessel (and how seasick you’re about to become). Clinometers like the one shown above are essentially spirit-filled bubble levels like a carpenter would use. Thus, the physical orientation of the clinometer would determine whether it’s measuring roll or pitch.

References

Rogers, J.G. (1985). Origins of Sea Terms. Mystic Seaport.