HORSE LATITUDES Meaning and
Definition
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The term "horse latitudes" refers to two regions in the Earth's subtropics where sailing ships historically experienced calm or intermittent winds, resulting in stranded horse transports and reduced supplies of fresh water. These regions are located at around 30 degrees north and south of the equator, in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Within the horse latitudes, the atmospheric pressure tends to be high, leading to the divergence of air masses and the formation of subtropical high-pressure belts. This results in descending air currents that inhibit the development of wind patterns, creating an area of calm or variable winds for extended periods.
The name "horse latitudes" reportedly originates from the unfortunate practice of 19th-century sailors throwing overboard dying or dead horses to conserve limited fresh water supplies. The loss of these animals was due to prolonged voyages and the inability to reach their destinations due to the lack of favorable winds.
The horse latitudes have become symbolic for challenging or stagnant situations, often used as a metaphor. It signifies being stuck or trapped in an unfavorable circumstance, where progress is hindered and opportunities are limited. Thus, the term has broadened to encompass any situation where individuals feel they are unable to move forward or make substantial headway, regardless of its original nautical context.
Common Misspellings for HORSE LATITUDES
- gorse latitudes
- borse latitudes
- norse latitudes
- jorse latitudes
- uorse latitudes
- yorse latitudes
- hirse latitudes
- hkrse latitudes
- hlrse latitudes
- hprse latitudes
- h0rse latitudes
- h9rse latitudes
- hoese latitudes
- hodse latitudes
- hofse latitudes
- hotse latitudes
- ho5se latitudes
- ho4se latitudes
- horae latitudes
- horze latitudes
Etymology of HORSE LATITUDES
The term "horse latitudes" is believed to have originated from the age of sailing ships. It refers to the regions around the subtropics where ships would sometimes become becalmed and struggle to make any headway due to the lack of consistent winds.
There are a few theories about the origin of the phrase. One theory suggests that it comes from the Spanish word "horsa", meaning "horse". According to this theory, Spanish sailors in the 16th century would throw their horses overboard when they encountered prolonged calm conditions to conserve water and food supplies.
Another theory proposes that the term comes from the French word "housses", meaning "gales". In this case, "horse latitudes" would refer to the calm weather that follows gales.
Another hypothesis suggests that the name comes from the Latin word "haurire", meaning "to drain" or "to draw out".
