CARDINAL DIRECTION Meaning and
Definition
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Cardinal directions refer to the four main points on a compass: north, south, east, and west. These directions are fundamental to navigation and are used to establish orientation and determine the position of an object or a place relative to other points.
North is the cardinal direction that points towards the Earth's geographical North Pole, while south points towards the geographical South Pole. East is the direction towards which the Earth rotates, and west is its opposite direction. These directions form a fixed axis around which all other directions can be defined.
Cardinal directions have been utilized by humans for centuries and are especially valuable in outdoor exploration, geography, and cartography. They provide a standardized frame of reference when describing location or giving directions and are vital for navigation purposes. Cardinal directions also play a significant role in activities such as hiking, sailing, or orienteering.
In modern times, compasses are commonly used to determine cardinal directions. A compass is an instrument that uses the Earth's magnetic field to align itself with the cardinal points, allowing individuals to determine the correct direction when they are otherwise unsure.
Overall, cardinal directions are essential tools for spatial orientation, helping individuals understand their position, plan routes, and move efficiently from one place to another.
Etymology of CARDINAL DIRECTION
The word "cardinal" in "cardinal direction" comes from the Latin word "cardinalis", which means "pertaining to a hinge". In ancient Rome, the term was used to refer to the pivots or hinges of a door or gate. The notion of a hinge as something pivotal or central was then extended to describe the four principal directions of north, south, east, and west. Hence, the term "cardinal directions" came to signify the fundamental or primary directions as if they were the pivotal points on which other directions are based.
