Definitions

1. noun

A longitudinal ridge or furrow on the hull of a ship or boat, especially one that runs along the side from stem to stern.

“The sailors had to scrape away the old paint from the gunnel of the worn ship.”

2. noun

A longitudinal ridge or furrow on a bone or a fossil.

“The paleontologist carefully examined the fossil’s gunnel to determine its species.”

3. noun

A narrow ridge or furrow in the earth, especially one that is formed by the action of wind or water.

“The sand dune had a distinctive gunnel running along its crest.”