Buoys: meaning, definitions and examples

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buoys

 

[ bɔɪz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

navigation

Buoy is a floating device that is anchored to the seabed and used to mark navigational hazards, channels, or safe water.

Synonyms

beacon, float, marker.

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Word Description / Examples
buoys

Used in maritime contexts to indicate navigational routes, warn of dangers, or mark locations in water. These can be anchored or free-floating.

  • The sailors navigated through the sea guided by red and green buoys
  • The buoys marked the shallow areas to avoid
marker

Used in a wide range of contexts to indicate a specific point or boundary. May not be limited to nautical use and can be found in various environments.

  • The trail had several markers to guide hikers
  • The event organizers placed markers to direct the participants
beacon

Commonly used to describe a strong signal, typically with light or radio waves, used for navigation or signaling. Often found in lighthouses or towers.

  • The lighthouse's beacon helped guide ships safely to the harbor
  • The mountaintop beacon was visible from miles away
float

Usually refers to any object that remains on the surface of the water. Can be used in recreational, fishing, or casual contexts.

  • The fishing line had a small float to keep the bait at the right depth
  • Kids played with inflatable floats in the swimming pool

Examples of usage

  • Ships rely on buoys to safely navigate through the harbor.
  • The red and green buoys indicate the starboard and port sides of the channel.
Context #2 | Noun

oceanography

Buoy is an instrument that is deployed in the ocean to collect data on wave height, temperature, and other oceanographic parameters.

Synonyms

data collector, instrument, monitoring device.

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Word Description / Examples
buoys

Can also be used to describe floating devices that collect scientific data related to the ocean or weather.

  • The research team deployed buoys to monitor ocean temperatures.
  • Buoys can help track and predict hurricanes.
instrument

Describes tools or devices used for precise work or measurements, often in scientific or medical fields.

  • The scientist used a specialized instrument to measure radiation levels.
  • Make sure all instruments are calibrated before the experiment.
monitoring device

A general term for any device used to observe, track, or measure conditions or phenomena over time.

  • The monitoring device showed that the air quality was improving.
  • They installed a monitoring device to check the water levels in the reservoir.
data collector

Refers to a device or person specifically tasked with gathering data, often used in scientific or technical fields.

  • The data collector recorded temperature and humidity every hour.
  • We need a new data collector for the environmental study.

Examples of usage

  • The buoy transmitted real-time data on sea conditions to the research vessel.
  • Scientists use buoys to monitor changes in the ocean environment.

Translations

Translations of the word "buoys" in other languages:

🇵🇹 boias

🇮🇳 बॉयज़

🇩🇪 Boje

🇮🇩 pelampung

🇺🇦 буї

🇵🇱 boje

🇯🇵 ブイ

🇫🇷 bouées

🇪🇸 boyas

🇹🇷 şamandıra

🇰🇷 부표

🇸🇦 العوامات

🇨🇿 bojky

🇸🇰 bóje

🇨🇳 浮标

🇸🇮 boje

🇮🇸 baujur

🇰🇿 буйлар

🇬🇪 ბუები

🇦🇿 boğazlar

🇲🇽 boyas

Etymology

The word 'buoy' originated from Middle Dutch 'boeye' and Middle French 'bouee', meaning a float used for fishing nets. The concept of using buoys for navigation and oceanographic research has evolved over centuries, with advancements in technology improving their accuracy and functionality.

See also: buoy, buoyant, buoyed.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,511, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.