Nautical Term: Shim
Definition of Shim
A shim is a thin piece of material, often metal or wood, which is placed under or against the base of a machine, fitting, frame, plate, or plank. This is done to adjust or true up the surface, maintaining a fair and even contact. Shims are also used to fill in slack spaces behind or underneath frames, plates, or planks, in order to preserve their original intended fair surface.
For example, imagine a sailor aboard a ship noticing that one of the wooden planks beneath the deck has become uneven, causing water to seep in and creating a potentially dangerous situation. To rectify the issue, the sailor might retrieve a shim or several shims, and use them to fill in the gaps between the uneven plank and the surrounding wooden structure. By doing so, the sailor ensures that the plank is once again level with the rest of the deck, creating a fair and even surface for the crew to walk on and for the ship to sail efficiently.
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