spon·son (sp n s n)n. 1. Any of several structures that project from the side of a boat or ship, especially a gun platform. 2. A short, curved, air-filled projection on the hull of a seaplane, imparting stability in the water. [Perhaps alteration of expansion.] |
sponson [ˈspɒnsən]
n
1. (Transport / Nautical Terms) Naval an outboard support for a gun enabling it to fire fore and aft
2. (Military / Arms & Armour (excluding Firearms)) a semicircular gun turret on the side of a tank
3. (Transport / Nautical Terms) a float or flotation chamber along the gunwale of a boat or ship
4. (Transport / Nautical Terms) a structural projection from the side of a paddle steamer for supporting a paddle wheel
5. (Engineering / Aeronautics) a structural unit attached to a helicopter fuselage by fixed struts, housing the main landing gear and inflatable flotation bags
[perhaps from expansion]
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