metacentre

Met`a*cen"ter or; Metacentre, n. Etym: [Pref. meta- + center.] (Hydrostatics) Defn: The point of intersection of a vertical line through the center of gravity of the fluid displaced by a floating body which is tipped through a small angle from its position of equilibrium, and the inclined line which was vertical through the center of gravity of the body when in equilibrium. Note: When the metacenter is above the center of gravity, the position of the body is stable; when below it, unstable.

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