Circumnavigable is an adjective that refers to the capability of navigating or traveling around an entire object or a geographical feature, typically applied to water bodies like oceans or large lakes. It derives from the word "circumnavigate," which means to travel or sail around the whole circumference of an area.
The term is commonly used in the field of navigation, exploration, and cartography, particularly when describing the feasibility of circumnavigating a particular region. It implies that the area in question is fully traversable by boat or ship, with no insurmountable obstacles that would prevent continuous navigation around it.
The concept of circumnavigability encompasses the idea that there are no land masses, geographical obstructions, or impassable barriers that would hinder the completion of a journey around the given area. For example, if a lake is deemed "circumnavigable," it suggests that someone could sail or travel in a boat all the way around its perimeter and return to the starting point without encountering any unconquerable hindrances.
Often applied in the context of historical explorations, the quality of being circumnavigable has allowed many adventurers and seafarers throughout history to achieve significant feats, such as the famous circumnavigation of the world by Ferdinand Magellan and his crew in the 16th century.
In summary, when something is described as circumnavigable, it means that it possesses the navigational characteristics and conditions necessary for seamless and complete travel around its entirety, without facing insuperable barriers or obstacles.
That may be sailed round.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "circumnavigable" is derived from the combination of two Latin roots: "circum" and "navigare".
The Latin root "circum" means "around" or "on all sides". It appears in many English words with the meaning of surrounding or encompassing, such as "circumference" (the distance around a circle) and "circumstance" (a surrounding condition or situation).
The Latin root "navigare" means "to sail" or "to navigate". It is derived from the word "navis", which means "ship". This root appears in various English words related to sailing or navigation, such as "navigate", "navigator", and "navigation".
When these two roots are combined, "circum" and "navigare", they form the word "circumnavigable".