How Do You Spell ROCKALL?

Pronunciation: [ɹˈɒkɔːl] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "Rockall" can be confusing due to its unique pronunciation. Written in IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈrɒkɔːl/. The first syllable, "rock," is pronounced with a short "o" sound and the "ck" is pronounced as a single sound similar to the "k" in "cook". The second syllable, "all," is pronounced as a long "a" sound and the "l" is pronounced clearly. "Rockall" refers to a small remote islet in the North Atlantic Ocean, west of Scotland.

Meaning and Definition
Etymology
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ROCKALL Meaning and Definition

  1. Rockall refers to a barren islet situated in the Atlantic Ocean, approximately 430 kilometers west of the Scottish mainland and 290 kilometers northwest of County Donegal in Ireland. It is an uninhabited islet and its name is derived from its prominent feature: a large rock that rises abruptly from the ocean. This rocky outcrop, known as Rockall Bank, measures around 25 meters in height and covers an area of about 572 square meters.

    Rockall holds geopolitical significance due to its location within the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of various countries, including the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark (for the Faroe Islands), and Iceland. Its territorial status has been a subject of dispute between these nations due to its potential for mineral resources and the legal rights to the surrounding waters.

    Primarily composed of granite, Rockall is characterized by harsh weather conditions and a lack of vegetation, making it inhospitable for human habitation. However, its rocky surface provides nesting grounds for various bird species, including guillemots, gannets, puffins, and fulmars.

    Throughout history, Rockall has been mentioned in naval charts, maritime boundaries, and international agreements. It has also garnered interest from adventurers and explorers seeking to set foot on the isolated islet. Despite its desolate nature, Rockall remains a significant landmark in the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean.

Etymology of ROCKALL

The word "Rockall" is derived from Old Norse. It is believed to have originated from the combination of two elements: "rókar", meaning "roaring", and "hǫll", meaning "hall" or "chamber". This name was given to the islet due to the rough seas and the echoing sounds produced by the waves crashing against its rocks. Over time, the Old Norse term evolved into "Rocca Aula" in Latin, which eventually transformed into "Rockall" in English.