Battens are long and thin strips that are used for various purposes, such as securing roofing, floorboards, or walls. There are several synonyms for this word depending on its context. For instance, slats could refer to battens used in a fence or wall, while laths could refer to those applied to a ceiling or partition. In the nautical sense, battens are wooden, plastic, or fiberglass strips used to strengthen the sail and maintain its shape, and can also be referred to as sail slats. Strips, bars, rods, plywoods, and boards can be used interchangeably for battens in construction and woodworking contexts. The variety of synonyms for battens showcases the versatility of the term while highlighting the significance of its various uses.