Portholes

Portholes are small, usually circular, windows found on the sides of ships, boats, and sometimes aircraft or spacecraft. They are designed to let in light and air while maintaining the watertight integrity of the vessel's hull. Typically, portholes have a thick pane of glass or acrylic and a metal frame that can be closed or opened. Historically, they were a crucial element for visibility and ventilation, playing a vital role in seafaring and maritime activities. Modern portholes often incorporate advanced features like tempered glass and pressure seals to withstand harsh conditions. They are a visual symbol of ships and marine life, evoking a sense of adventure and exploration.

Portholes meaning with examples

• The salty spray from the ocean lashed against the portholes, blurring the view but still allowing glimpses of the churning sea. The sailors peered through the portholes, seeking signs of land after weeks at sea. Children would press their faces against the portholes, imagining themselves in a submarine, exploring the depths of the ocean.
• During the storm, the captain ordered all portholes to be securely shut to prevent water from entering the vessel. The portholes on the old steamer were thick, heavy glass, reflecting the aged elegance of a past era. Looking out through the portholes, passengers could watch a pod of dolphins playing next to the ship.
• The diver could see the hull of the wrecked vessel from the portholes of the exploration submarine, giving a peak to history. The engineers used the portholes as a safe way to visually monitor the interior of the reactor. From the portholes, the space station crew looked down at the swirling blues and greens of the Earth.
• The submarines portholes were especially important in a vessel with no other window to use for visibility. As the ship sailed through the Arctic waters, all the portholes were sealed off due to the ice being dangerously close to the hull. The first portholes installed on a ship needed to be constantly checked for their structural integrity.
• In order to ensure a smooth journey, regular checks of all portholes are performed to ensure a good seal and no leaks occur. The child excitedly ran along the deck, and peered through each porthole, trying to see the distant shoreline. The crew spent hours cleaning the portholes in preparation for the arriving dignitaries