Nautical Term: Pitching

Definition of Pitching

— refers to the vertical, up-and-down motion of a ship as it navigates through a seaway. This oscillatory motion, which can be influenced by various factors including the size and weight of the ship, the force and direction of the wind, and the condition of the water —

Example: During a storm at sea, the pitching motion of the vessel became increasingly noticeable as the waves crashed against the sides of the ship. The crew, who were already bracing themselves against the force of the wind and the spray of the sea, had to struggle even harder to keep their footing as the pitching motion of the ship continued to grow stronger.

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