Met`a*cen"ter (?) or -tre, n. [Pref. meta- + center.] Hydrostatics
The point of intersection of a vertical line through the center of gravity of the fluid displaced by a floating body which is tipped through a small angle from its position of equilibrium, and the inclined line which was vertical through the center of gravity of the body when in equilibrium.
When the metacenter is above the center of gravity, the position of the body is stable; when below it, unstable.
© Webster 1913.