loran
Americannoun
noun
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A long-range navigational system, in which a receiver's position is determined by an analysis involving the time intervals between pulsed radio signals from two or more pairs of ground stations of known position. The difference in the timing of the received signals corresponds to differences in distance from the transmitters, and the position of the receiver can be calculated by triangulation.
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Compare Global Positioning System
Etymology
Origin of loran
1940–45, lo(ng) ra(nge) n(avigation)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Last week loran seemed destined for obsolescence, as an experimental Navy satellite called Transit I-B blasted into space from Florida's Cape Canaveral.
From Time Magazine Archive
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The pulse from the master station appears as a "pip" on the "scope" of the plane's loran receiver.
From Time Magazine Archive
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The same storm disrupted shortwave radio transmissions, crippled Coast Guard loran navigation systems and had automatic garage doors opening on their own.
From Time Magazine Archive
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Coast Guard already operates 57 loran stations on the shores and islands of the Atlantic and Pacific.
From Time Magazine Archive
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"I've talked to the radar and loran operator," said Soames.
From Long Ago, Far Away by Murray Leinster
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