helm

Meanings

Plural: helm, helmed, helms

Noun

• steering mechanism for a vessel; a mechanical device by which a vessel is steered
• a position of leadership
  • "the President is at the helm of the Ship of State"
• The tiller (or, in a large ship, the wheel) which is used to control the rudder of a marine vessel; also, the entire steering apparatus of a vessel.
• The use of a helm (sense 1); also, the amount of space through which a helm is turned.
• The member of a vessel's crew in charge of steering the vessel; a helmsman or helmswoman.
• Something used to control or steer; also (obsolete), a handle of a tool or weapon; a haft, a helve.
• A position of control or leadership.
• One in the position of controlling or directing; a controller, a director, a guide.
• A helmet.
• Synonym of helmet (“the feature above a shield on a coat of arms”).
• A shelter for cattle or other farm animals; a hemmel, a shed.
• A heavy cloud lying on the brow of a mountain, especially one associated with a storm.
• The crown or top of something.
• The upper part or cap of an alembic or retort.
• A stalk of corn, or (uncountable) stalks of corn collectively (that is, straw), especially when bundled together or laid out straight to be used for thatching roofs.
• Alternative form of haulm (“the stems of various cultivated plants, left after harvesting the crop, which are used as animal food or litter, or for thatching”).
• Synonym of bentgrass (“any of numerous reedy grass species of the genus Agrostis”)

Verb

• be at or take the helm of
  • "helm the ship"
• To control the helm (noun sense 1) of (a marine vessel); to be in charge of steering (a vessel).
• To direct or lead (a project, etc.); to manage (an organization).
• To cover (a head) with a helmet; to provide (someone) with a helmet; to helmet.
• To lay out (stalks of corn, or straw) straight to be used for thatching roofs; to yelm.

Synonyms

behelm, bentgrass, helmet, helmsperson, thatch, yelm