Nautical Term: Pitch
Definition of Pitch
Pitch refers to a viscous tar-like substance, traditionally derived from pine trees. This material was historically employed in sealing the joints or seams of a ship, thereby preventing water from entering and compromising the structural integrity of the vessel. In contemporary usage, however, synthetic pitches are often used instead of natural pitch for sealing purposes.
As an example, let’s imagine a sailor named Jack, who is aboard an old wooden ship named Sea Serpent. Jack notices that the vessel is starting to take on water through some cracks in the seams. Realizing the severity of the situation, Jack asks the ship’s carpenter to inspect the cracks and repair them using a natural pitch sealant. With the pitch applied, the carpenter effectively seals the cracks and prevents any further water intrusion. Jack and the crew are grateful for the carpenter’s expertise and the pitch’s effectiveness in saving their ship from potential disaster.
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