Definition of mast

The word "mast" has a long and interesting history. It originated in the Middle English period, around the 13th century, and is derived from the Old English word "mæst", which means "main tree" or "trunk". This term was initially used to refer to the main support or beam of a ship, particularly the vertical pole or tree-like structure that supported the sails. Over time, the word "mast" came to also refer to the trunk or stem of a tree, as well as the mast of a windmill. The term has also been used metaphorically to describe the central or main part of something, such as the mast of a society or organization. Today, the word "mast" is still used in various contexts, including nautical and metaphorical contexts, to refer to the main or central element of something.