The correct spelling of the term "west by north" is /west baɪ nɔːθ/. This nautical term is used to describe a direction which is between west and west-northwest. The "by" in "west by north" refers to a specific point on the compass, indicating that the direction is slightly more towards west than west-northwest. It is important to note the correct spelling to avoid confusion with similar terms, such as "west-northwest" or "west-by-south".
"West by north" is a directional term used in navigation and specifically in nautical terms. It refers to a bearing or direction that is slightly towards the west measured from true north. It corresponds to a compass bearing of approximately 281.25 degrees or 16.25 degrees west of due north.
In the traditional 32-point compass rose, "west by north" falls between due west (270 degrees) and west-northwest (292.5 degrees). It is important to note that "west by north" is not a precise cardinal direction but a more specific intermediate direction.
In practical usage, "west by north" is often employed by sailors and pilots to describe a course or a heading within a larger route. For example, a ship captain may instruct the helmsman to steer "west by north" to navigate a specific leg of a journey.
The term "west by north" can also be part of the broader system known as the sixteen cardinal points, which divide the compass rose into more detailed bearings. In this system, "west by north" is one of the sixteen points used for more precise orientation and navigation.
Overall, "west by north" is a directional term that indicates a bearing that is only slightly westward when compared to true north, used primarily in navigation to provide a more specific direction within the western quadrant.