Pilothouses

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A structure onboard a ship or vessel where the steering and navigation are controlled
2. An enclosed area on a boat that provides a view for the captain while operating the vessel
3. A designated cabin or room situated above the main deck used for navigation and command of a maritime craft

Etymology: "Pilothouses" is the plural of "pilothouse," a compound formed from "pilot" and "house." The pairing is literal: the pilothouse is the house, or enclosed cabin, from which the pilot steers a vessel. Its job is to put the person at the wheel where they can see the water ahead and the instruments and controls in one place. The first element, "pilot," traces back to the Latin "pilotus" and the Greek "pēdotēs," meaning "steersman," a word linked to the idea of an oar or rudder. The second element, "house," is one of the oldest English words, inherited from Old English "hūs." Joined together, the parts describe a structure built for steering, rather than a dwelling.

Synonyms: bridge, control room