What is the difference between mast and yard?

Definitions

mast

- A tall vertical pole on a ship that supports sails and rigging.

- A structure on land used to support antennas, flags, or other equipment.

- A tall pole used for aerial performances or acrobatics.

yard

- A horizontal spar on a ship's mast used to support and control sails.

- A unit of measurement equal to three feet or 0.9144 meters.

- An enclosed area adjacent to a building or house.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both mast and yard are nautical terms.
• 2. Both are used in the context of ships and sailing.
• 3. Both are made of wood or metal.
• 4. Both are used to support and control sails.
• 5. Both are essential components of a ship's rigging system.

What is the difference?

• 1. Position: Mast is a vertical structure while yard is a horizontal spar attached to the mast.
• 2. Function: Mast supports the sails and rigging while yard controls the shape and position of the sails.
• 3. Size: Mast is taller and larger than yard.
• 4. Measurement: Yard is also a unit of measurement while mast is not.
• 5. Usage: Mast is used more frequently than yard in everyday language.

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Remember this!

Mast and yard are both important components of a ship's rigging system. However, mast is a vertical structure that supports the sails and rigging, while yard is a horizontal spar attached to the mast that controls the shape and position of the sails. Additionally, yard is also a unit of measurement, while mast is not.