Sculling

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. The technique of propelling a small boat using oars on both sides while maintaining balance and control is essential for efficient navigation
2. Moving a small watercraft by using a pair of oars, one on each side, to push against the water and steer
3. Using oars on both sides of a boat in a coordinated way to propel and guide it forward

Etymology: The participle "sculling" comes from the verb "scull", which in its rowing sense refers to propelling a boat with a pair of short oars, or a single oar worked over the stern. The noun behind it was "sculle", a type of oar in Middle English. Its origin is uncertain, though it may have come from North Germanic, possibly from Old Norse "skola", meaning "to rinse" or "wash". The link is tempting: a sculling oar is worked from side to side, rather like rinsing something in water. The verb sense may instead derive from Danish, Norwegian or Swedish "skål", meaning "bowl" or "dish". The noun and verb may therefore have grown from separate roots that met in English. "Scull" is also a close relative of "skull", which probably names the bowl-like cranium, so the same ancient image of a hollow vessel lies behind both words.

Synonyms: rowing, paddling, propelling, steering, driving

Antonyms: anchoring, stationary, stopping, stillness, idleness