Hyphenation
star·boardTurkish pronunciation
stärbırdPronunciation
/ˈstärbərd/ /ˈstɑːrbɜrd/
Etymology
[ 'stär-b&rd ] (noun.) before 12th century. Derived from the Scandinavian term "steerboard", which was hung off the right side of the boat, making it impractical to put the right side against a pier when in port, hence the left side of the boat became known as the port side. Steering capabilities with such a primitive oar and steering system, would be compromised if it was on the left, as the majority of able seamen were right-handed.