The spelling of the word "tidetables" follows the English orthographic conventions, using the letter "i" to represent the vowel sound /aɪ/ and the letter "e" to represent the vowel sound /ɛ/. The first syllable contains a stressed vowel sound /aɪ/ and the following syllable has a schwa sound /ə/. The last syllable contains a stressed vowel sound /eɪbəlz/. The correct IPA transcription of this word is /ˈtaɪd-tə-bəlz/. Tidetables refer to the information about tides happening in a particular area.
Tidetables are comprehensive tables or charts that provide information about the daily and monthly changes in the ocean's tides and currents. These tables are primarily used by sailors, mariners, fishermen, and other individuals who navigate water bodies for various purposes.
Tidetables typically include a detailed schedule or timetable of high and low tides, indicating the time and height of each tide for specific locations over a given period. They may cover a specific area, such as a particular body of water, port, or coastal region, and are often provided in printed formats or online platforms.
The information provided in a tidetable can have several critical elements. Alongside the accurate time and height of high and low tides, tidetables may offer additional data like tidal currents, moon phases, sunrise and sunset times, and weather conditions. These factors are vital for sailors and mariners to plan their voyages, navigate safely through shallow waters, and take advantage of favorable tidal conditions.
Tidetables are compiled using extensive data collected through tidal observations and measurements by hydrographers, meteorologists, and related experts. This information is processed and organized to create reliable tidetables for specific geographic areas. The accuracy and reliability of tidetables are crucial for ensuring the safety and efficiency of maritime activities.
The noun "tidetables" is derived from the combination of two words: "tide" and "tables".
The word "tide" has Old English origins, coming from the word "tid", meaning "time, period, or season". This Old English word can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*tidiz", which had a similar meaning. The word "tide" specifically refers to the regular and predictable rise and fall of the ocean's water caused by gravitational forces exerted by the moon and the sun.
The word "tables" is derived from the Latin word "tabula", which means "a board, plank, or table". "Tabula" is also related to the Greek word "tabla", which means "plank or board".