keel over Definition

keel¹
noun

1. The timber or metal strut extending from stem to stern along the base of a ship, from which the hull is built up.
2. A structure resembling or corresponding to a ship's keel.
3a. biol.
The projection of bone from the sternum which the flight muscles of birds are attached to;
3b. biol.
Any similar structure functioning like a keel.

verb

tr & intr
keeled, keeling
1. To capsize.

Derivative: keeled

Keel-shaped.

Having a ridge on the back.

Idiom: on an even keel

Calm and steady.

Etymology: 14c as kele: from Norse kjölr.

Phrasal Verb: keel over

Said of a ship: to tip over sideways.To fall over, eg in a faint.