Swahili
bildi
BIL-di
How to say it
SwahilibildiBIL-disoon
Englishsounding leadsoon
Frenchsondesoon
Meaning
a sounding lead used by sailors to measure the depth of water; also, the weight inside a clock.
Good to know
tia/piga bildi means to take soundings.
Examples
- Mabaharia walipiga bildi kupima kina cha bahari.The sailors took soundings to measure the sea's depth.
- Bildi ya saa hiyo ilikuwa imechoka.That clock's weight had worn out.
- Nahodha aliamuru kutia bildi kabla ya kuingia bandarini.The captain ordered soundings before entering the harbor.
Not yet checked by a native speaker.