mainmast
UK[ˈmeɪnmɑːst]US[ˈmeɪnmæst]
n
the principal mast of a sailing ship, typically the second mast from the bow in a two-masted vessel or the tallest mast in a ship with more than two masts.
Morpheme Breakdown
main
mast
main
mast
Etymology
the word 'mainmast' is a transparent compound formed from two old english elements. 'main', derived from the old english 'mægen' meaning "strength" or "power", evolved to signify "principal" or "most important". 'mast', from the old english 'mæst', has consistently referred to the tall spar on a ship. the compound thus logically denotes the principal or most important mast on a vessel. this term emerged in middle english as nautical terminology became more standardized, directly reflecting the functional hierarchy of a ship's rigging.
Analysis
Structure: main + mast
main (from middle english 'mayn', from old english 'mægen', meaning "strength, power, principal", of germanic origin; functions as an adjective meaning "principal" in this compound). mast (from old english 'mæst', meaning "pole, post, ship's mast", of germanic origin; functions as a noun meaning the spar or structure).
Examples
the storm's force snapped the mainmast, leaving the ship adrift.
sailors were sent aloft to repair the rigging on the mainmast.
from the crow's nest atop the mainmast, the lookout spotted land.