The angular distance of a point east or west of the Prime Meridian at Greenwich, measured in degrees from 0 to 180. Lines of longitude run north-south and converge at the poles, also known as meridians.
Category: Navigation & Seamanship
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KnotA unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour, approximately 1.852 kilometres per hour or 1.151 miles per hour.Lee ShoreA shore that lies downwind of a vessel, toward which the wind is blowing.LeewayThe sideways drift of a vessel from its intended course, caused by wind pushing against the hull and superstructure.Magnetic NorthThe direction indicated by a magnetic compass needle toward the earth's magnetic north pole, which differs from true north by an angle called magnetic variation or declination.Nautical MileA unit of distance used in maritime and air navigation equal to approximately 1,852 metres or 1.151 statute miles.ParallelA circle on the earth's surface formed by the intersection of a plane parallel to the equator.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026