What term describes the front part of a ship?

The term that describes the front part of a ship is "bow." This term is widely used in maritime terminology and refers to the portion of the ship that faces forward when the vessel is in motion. Understanding ship anatomy is crucial in various maritime contexts, such as navigation and safety procedures. The bow is significant because it impacts the vessel's hydrodynamics and maneuverability.

For clarity, the stern refers to the rear part of the ship, the deck is the upper surface of a ship where activities take place, and "belly" is not a recognized term in maritime vocabulary for describing any part of a ship. Hence, the correct identification of the bow helps in effective communication regarding ship operations and functionalities.