anchor: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos

A labeled diagram of a traditional stock anchor showing key parts including the stock, shank, ring, crown, arms, flukes, palms, bill, balancing band, head, and keep pin.

Diagram of a stockless anchor with labeled parts, including the ring, shank, balancing band, crown, shoulder, bill, and fluke, showing the main components used for mooring ships.

See All Images →

Topics

stockless anchor stock anchor fluke mushroom anchor mooring buoy watercraft ship’s bell log Plimsoll line ship warship air-cushion machine boat yacht motorboat ferry

Nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS Carl vinson plows through the Indian ocean as aircraft on its flight deck are prepared for flight operations 3/15/05.

Ships and Underwater Exploration