Describing something that resembles or functions like an oar, a long, flat blade used to propel a boat through water. This adjective can apply to a wide range of objects or body parts that share the characteristic shape, movement, or purpose of an oar. Key features emphasized are a relatively broad, flat surface for pushing against a medium (usually water or air) and a handle or attachment point for leverage and control. The resemblance can be literal, as in the shape, or functional, related to the way something is used for propulsion or manipulation. Consider its context, because the resemblance can be aesthetic, structural, or based on how it’s operated. The concept often implies a pushing or sweeping motion, but sometimes it's simply an extension of a flat surface meant to generate force or movement.
Oar-like meaning with examples
- The whale's massive pectoral fins, almost the size of small boats, moved in an oar-like fashion, propelling its enormous body through the ocean depths. Each stroke was slow and powerful, showing how the ocean giant moved. The fins' broad, flat surface efficiently channeled the water. This effortless movement was in stark contrast to its size, highlighting its elegant and adapted biology.
- The ornithopter’s wings, designed to mimic the flight of birds, employed oar-like movements, beating up and down with remarkable speed. The lightweight composite material, like a sophisticated oar blade, was crafted to maximize lift and thrust. Their precise motions and complex designs allowed them to stay aloft. This design offered a blend of efficiency and control.
- The paddles on the old riverboat, large and flat, acted like oar-like appendages, churning the water with rhythmic efficiency. The force of the riverboat drove against these paddles, propelling the vessel slowly upriver. The repetition of the motion created the boat's power. This traditional mode of transport stood in contrast to modern engines.
- The innovative wind turbine blades rotated in an oar-like sweep, capturing the wind's energy to generate electricity. The design’s curvature helped maximize this energy transfer, making its design effective. The blade's smooth design minimized drag, optimizing its output. This method showcased the use of air-motion in producing power.
- The scientist, studying the biomechanics of birds, examined the shape of the bird's feathers. He noted that some of the large wing feathers behaved in an oar-like way, providing lift and thrust during flight. Their streamlined shape created more power and made birds flight more agile. Their flexible structures allowed for maneuverability. The research highlighted the complex aerodynamics of flight.