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Amidships vs Centerline - What's the difference?

amidships | centerline |

As an adverb amidships

is in the middle of a ship, either longitudinally or laterally.

As an interjection amidships

is a helm order, normally shortened to midships!, to centre the helm in the line of the keel.

As a noun centerline is

a line that divides a shape into equal pieces.

amidships

English

Alternative forms

* midships

Adverb

(en adverb)
  • (nautical) In the middle of a ship, either longitudinally or laterally.
    • [The U-boat captain] waited until the crosshairs lay directly amidships . “Torpedo ... los!”
    Two more torpedoes were fired; one ran erratic; the second hit amidships .
    The saloon, instead of being at the stern, according to the old method of construction, is placed more amidships .
    The main cabin, most amidships , was 8 feet 3 inches broad [...]
  • (nautical) Usually in the line of the keel, but sometimes halfway between bow and stern; often contracted to “midships.” (FM 55-501).
  • (figuratively) On the flank, at a vulnerable place.
  • *

    • Interjection

    (en interjection)
  • A helm order, normally shortened to midships! , to centre the helm in the line of the keel.

    • centerline

    English

    Alternative forms

    * centreline

    Noun

  • A line that divides a shape into equal pieces.