TO LEEWARD Meaning and
Definition
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To leeward is a nautical term that refers to the direction downwind, opposite to the direction from which the wind is blowing. In other words, it is the side or direction away from the wind. The word "leeward" itself is derived from the Old English word "lew," meaning shelter or protection from the wind.
When a vessel is sailing to leeward, it is being propelled by the wind from behind, and therefore, the wind is coming from behind the vessel. This term is commonly used in sailing and navigation to describe the position or movement of a ship relative to the wind direction. For example, if a ship is said to be sailing to leeward, it means it is sailing in the direction where the wind is blowing.
Being to leeward can have significant implications in navigation. It generally means that a vessel's course is directly influenced by the wind, potentially affecting the ship's speed and ability to change direction. Sailors need to be aware of their position to leeward as it may require specific maneuvers, such as tacking or jibing, to change direction effectively and avoid drifting off course.
Overall, to leeward denotes the downwind direction, indicating that the wind is blowing from behind the vessel. This term is crucial for sailors to understand and navigate their ships effectively while taking the wind's influence into account.
Common Misspellings for TO LEEWARD
- ro leeward
- fo leeward
- go leeward
- yo leeward
- 6o leeward
- 5o leeward
- ti leeward
- tk leeward
- tl leeward
- tp leeward
- t0 leeward
- t9 leeward
- to keeward
- to peeward
- to oeeward
- to lweward
- to lseward
- to ldeward
- to lreward
Etymology of TO LEEWARD
The word "leeward" has its etymological roots in Middle English and Old English. It is derived from the combination of two Old English words: "leofer" meaning "luff" or "windward" and "weard" meaning "ward" or "direction".
In nautical terms, "leeward" refers to the side or direction that is sheltered or protected from the wind. The term is often used in sailing and navigation to describe the opposite side from which the wind blows. When a vessel sails "to leeward", it means it is moving in the direction away from the wind.
Over time, the Old English words "leofer" and "weard" were combined and evolved into "lyward" or "leeward" in Middle English. This term gained popularity in maritime contexts during the Middle Ages and is still commonly used today.
Similar spelling words for TO LEEWARD
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