Buoys Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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buoys
[bɔɪz ]
Definitions
navigation
Buoy is a floating device that is anchored to the seabed and used to mark navigational hazards, channels, or safe water.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| float |
Usually refers to any object that remains on the surface of the water. Can be used in recreational, fishing, or casual contexts.
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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.
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.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| buoys |
Can also be used to describe floating devices that collect scientific data related to the ocean or weather.
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| instrument |
Describes tools or devices used for precise work or measurements, often in scientific or medical fields.
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| monitoring device |
A general term for any device used to observe, track, or measure conditions or phenomena over time.
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| data collector |
Refers to a device or person specifically tasked with gathering data, often used in scientific or technical fields.
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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
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Middle English 'boi', which itself derived from the Old French 'bouee', meaning 'to float'.
- Buoys have been used since ancient times for navigation, with some of the first recorded uses among the Greeks and Romans.
- Traditional buoys were made from wood and rope, but modern versions are often made of plastic or metal.
Science
- Buoys can be equipped with technology to measure ocean conditions like temperature and tides.
- They can be designed to float vertically, or at an angle depending on their purpose and conditions of the water.
- Some buoys are used for collecting data on water pollution, helping scientists monitor the health of marine environments.
Cultural Significance
- In maritime culture, the use of buoys has inspired various artworks, symbolizing safety and guidance.
- Buoys commonly feature in songs and literature, often representing hope, safety, or adventure on the seas.
- The concept of buoys also appears in sports, particularly sailing and swimming races, marking course boundaries.
Technology
- Modern buoys can be solar-powered and equipped with GPS, providing real-time location data for ships.
- Smart buoys are being developed to monitor weather patterns and alert mariners in case of dangerous conditions.
- Some advanced models are even capable of communicating with online weather services to share data across networks.
Environmental Impact
- Buoys play a crucial role in marine conservation by marking protected areas and guiding vessels to avoid damage to fragile ecosystems.
- They help researchers track the movement of ocean currents, which is important for understanding climate change.
- The materials used for buoys are increasingly being designed to minimize environmental impact, such as using recycled plastics.
Origin of 'buoys'
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.