CARDINAL POINT Meaning and
Definition
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A cardinal point refers to any of the four fundamental directions: north, east, south, and west. It is a term commonly used in geography, navigation, and cartography to identify specific locations or positions on a compass rose or geographic coordinate system. Each cardinal point represents its respective direction on the globe, forming the basis for determining other intermediate or secondary directions.
North is the cardinal point that points towards the Earth's North Pole, opposite to the South Pole. East is the cardinal point that signifies the direction where the sun rises in the morning, perpendicular to the north. South represents the exact opposite direction of north, pointing towards the Earth's South Pole. West denotes the direction where the sun sets in the evening, perpendicular to the south.
Cardinal points are vital in navigation as they aid in determining one's orientation and course. They are crucial for interpreting maps and understanding positions relative to other locations. For instance, one can use cardinal points to describe routes, provide directions, and establish bearings. In addition, cardinal points play a significant role in several geographical concepts, such as the equator, meridians, and the prime meridian.
Overall, the cardinal points serve as primary navigational references, providing a foundation for basic geographic orientation and spatial understanding.
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(1) One of the four points in the pelvic inlet toward one of which the occiput of the child is usually directed in case of head presentation, viz., the two sacroiliac articulations and the two iliopectineal eminences corresponding to the acetabula; (2) one of six points in the eye, viz., the anterior focal p. where rays starting parallel from the retina are focussed; the posterior focal p., the point on the retina where parallel rays entering the eye are focussed; the two principal points in the anterior chamber where the axis is cut by the two principal planes, and the two nodal points near the posterior surface of the lens.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CARDINAL POINT
- xardinal point
- vardinal point
- fardinal point
- dardinal point
- czrdinal point
- csrdinal point
- cwrdinal point
- cqrdinal point
- caedinal point
- caddinal point
- cafdinal point
- catdinal point
- ca5dinal point
- ca4dinal point
- carsinal point
- carxinal point
- carcinal point
- carfinal point
- carrinal point
- careinal point
Etymology of CARDINAL POINT
The word cardinal in cardinal point comes from the Latin word cardinalis, meaning pertaining to a hinge. The concept of cardinal points was originally used to refer to the hinge or pivotal directions on a compass, around which the other directions revolve. Over time, these directions became known as the main or primary points of direction, hence, the term cardinal points.
Similar spelling words for CARDINAL POINT
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