Southing: meaning, definitions and examples
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southing
[ ˈsaʊðɪŋ ]
navigation term
Southing is a term used in navigation and cartography that refers to the direction or distance southward from a specific point. It is often measured in degrees and is used in conjunction with latitude to determine a location on Earth.
Synonyms
declination, latitude south, southward.
Examples of usage
- The southing of the ship was carefully plotted on the map.
- To find the southing of the star, we used specialized tools.
- The navigator recorded the southing every hour during the journey.
Translations
Translations of the word "southing" in other languages:
🇵🇹 meridional
🇮🇳 दक्षिणपंथी
🇩🇪 Süden
🇮🇩 selatan
🇺🇦 південний
🇵🇱 południowy
🇯🇵 南
🇫🇷 sud
🇪🇸 del sur
🇹🇷 güney
🇰🇷 남쪽
🇸🇦 جنوب
🇨🇿 jižní
🇸🇰 južný
🇨🇳 南
🇸🇮 južni
🇮🇸 suðrænn
🇰🇿 оңтүстік
🇬🇪 სამხრეთი
🇦🇿 cənub
🇲🇽 del sur
Etymology
The term 'southing' likely derived from the Old English word 'sūð', which means 'south'. The word has been used in navigational contexts for centuries, reflecting its importance in maritime exploration and in the development of maps. Its usage grew particularly during the Age of Exploration when sailors relied heavily on celestial navigation techniques to determine their position at sea. As navigation practices evolved, southing remained a fundamental concept, especially in relation to latitude. It has retained its relevance in contemporary navigation systems, demonstrating the enduring significance of geographic orientation in human history.