PELORUS Meaning and
Definition
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Pelorus, pronounced as “puh-LAWR-uhs,” refers to a navigational instrument that is used mainly on ships and aircraft to determine the bearing or direction of travel. The term has its roots in Greek and means "shepherd's crook." The pelorus features a circular card with graduations indicating degrees of a compass, allowing the user to determine their current heading. It typically consists of a fixed card, which represents magnetic north, enclosed in a rotating housing. This rotating housing can be adjusted to align with the vessel's compass heading, providing the user with an accurate indication of the ship's or aircraft's direction.
Pelorus instruments were first used in the 18th century and have since evolved to incorporate various features such as adjustable sights, illuminations, and magnifying glasses. They are most commonly found on large ships and aircraft, serving as a reliable backup or alternative to electronic navigation systems. Additionally, pelorus instruments may sometimes be used by hikers, explorers, or surveyors to determine their orientation and maintain a sense of direction.
The pelorus plays a crucial role in determining the course to follow, especially during low visibility conditions or when electronic navigation systems are unavailable or unreliable. Its simplicity and dependability make it an essential tool for navigation, allowing sailors and aviators to determine their heading accurately and navigate safely to their desired destination.
Common Misspellings for PELORUS
Etymology of PELORUS
The word "Pelorus" derives from the Ancient Greek word "Pelôros" (Πελωρός), which means "mud", "slime", or "puddle". In Greek mythology, Pelôros refers to the god of marshes and swamps. The word "Pelorus" was adopted into English and other languages to refer to a navigational instrument used to determine the bearing of a ship relative to a fixed point, often the North Star. This instrument was named after Pelôros due to its ability to guide through a potentially treacherous sea, much like the god who protected people from the dangers of marshes and swamps.
Similar spelling words for PELORUS
- blares,
- blears,
- Pilleries,
- pillars,
- Pleuris,
- bellowers,
- belorussia,
- belarus,
- biliaries,
- sand-pillars,
- role-players,
- byelarus,
- bilayers,
- pollers,
- bailers,
- PLRS/TIDS,
- paliurus,
- belaroussi,
- Pleuras,
- blores,
- non-players,
- Pluries,
- Baylor's,
- bellerose,
- pleurisy,
- peelers,
- players-lasky,
- ballers,
- blowers,
- Pilorhizae,
- Bielorussia,
- plowhorse,
- pilieris,
- pallars,
- Pillars",
- bellers,
- pulers,
- boileries,
- belayers,
- Bullaries,
- bewailers,
- pillorise,
- beliers,
- russia-belarus,
- polers,
- palhares,
- bowlers,
- players,
- polaris,
- PAALRS,
- blurs,
- boilerhouse,
- Pleuresia,
- pillarize,
- billers,
- balers,
- polarize,
- bolar's,
- plyers,
- pullers,
- players-only,
- players',
- pilers,
- polars,
- BALEARES,
- Pleuresie,
- bielersee,
- belars,
- byelorussia,
- poolers,
- Beliarosa,
- Plurisy,
- plowers,
- pelories,
- pylorus,
- bullers,
- pleurozia,
- whistle-blowers,
- bawlers,
- wire-pullers,
- Pillorize,
- bailors,
- playwears,
- Pileorhiza,
- polreis,
- plurisie,
- pelorias,
- belarussia,
- polarise,
- bellrose,
- player's,
- boulahrouz,
- boilers,
- pilaris,
- BLURSS,
- bellairs,
- pailheres,
- ex-players,
- pulwars,
- Bilharz,
- blair's,
- bilharzia,
- Pallors,
- pilarz,
- boleros,
- pliers,
- Pillories,
- Polyurias.
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