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sponson definition

spon·son (spänsən)

noun

  1. a structure that projects over the side of a ship or boat; specif.,
    1. a projecting gun platform
    2. an air chamber built into the gunwale of a canoe
  2. a short, winglike piece attached to the hull of a seaplane just above water level to give stability in the water

Etymology: altered < ? expansion: orig. applied to the platforms on each side of a steamer's paddle wheels

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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