<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>Nautical: the forward edge of the stem of a vessel, dividing the water as the vessel advances.</li><li>A vertical timber construction set forward of and following the stem of a wooden vessel below the water line, usually curving forward above the water line to support a beak-head or figurehead.</li><li>Civil Engineering: a sharply pointed upstream face of a bridge pier, for resisting the effects of moving water or ice.</li></ul>