The phrase "south by west" is spelled using the IPA symbols /s/aʊθ/ b/aɪ/ /w/ɛst/. The first sound is represented by the letter "s" and pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative /s/. The second sound is represented by the letter combination "ou" and pronounced as a diphthong /aʊ/. The third sound is represented by the letters "th" and pronounced as an interdental fricative /θ/. Lastly, the fourth sound is represented by the letters "w" and "e" and pronounced as a voiced labiovelar approximant /w/ and a mid front unrounded vowel /ɛ/, respectively.
South by west is a compass point on the cardinal compass, specifically between south and west. It represents the direction that is exactly midway between south and west, typically denoted as SbW or SSW (South-Southwest) in degrees. South by west is located four points clockwise from due south on a compass rose.
In terms of geographical navigation, south by west provides a specific heading or bearing to follow when traveling between south and west. It signifies a deviation of approximately 22.5 degrees west of due south. This direction can be useful for sailors, pilots, and hikers who need to navigate accurately and efficiently. For example, if a ship's compass indicates that its heading is set to south by west, it means that the vessel is steering towards a destination lying between the south and west directions.
South by west is also a term often utilized in meteorology to describe the direction from which the winds are blowing. It represents a wind flow oriented towards the south of due west, indicating an angle of around 202.5 degrees with respect to true north. Understanding the wind direction helps meteorologists predict weather patterns, wind patterns, and the movement of storms.
In summary, south by west refers to the intermediate direction situated between south and west, encompassing both a compass heading and a wind direction.