pelorus

American  

[puh-lawr-uhs, -lohr-] / pəˈlɔr əs, -ˈloʊr- /

noun

Navigation.

• peloruses
  plural

1. a device for measuring in degrees the relative bearings of observed objects.

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pelorus British  

/ pɪˈlɔːrəs /

noun

1. a sighting device used in conjunction with a magnetic compass or a gyrocompass for measuring the relative bearings of observed points

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• peloruses
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of pelorus

1850–55; perhaps < Latin Pelōrus, now Faro in Sicily, a cape which requires skill in navigation

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

pelorus

If, now, the compass were correct it would agree with the pelorus in showing the ship's head to be North.

From Lectures in Navigation by Ernest Gallaudet Draper

These bearings will be secured in the best way by the use of your pelorus.

From Lectures in Navigation by Ernest Gallaudet Draper

Now turn the lubber line of the pelorus to East.

From Lectures in Navigation by Ernest Gallaudet Draper

For that reason, it is wise to steam the ship completely around, steadying on every fifteen degrees by pelorus to determine and keep a record of remaining errors.

From Lectures in Navigation by Ernest Gallaudet Draper

Have another officer who is thoroughly familiar with the pelorus stand by it as the ship is swung.

From Lectures in Navigation by Ernest Gallaudet Draper

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