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Eng ID Term Definition
3761
pendulum: working
A PENDULUM which is used (swung) in a determination of the INTEN­SITY OF GRAVITY.
3762
pendulum sextant
See SEXTANT.
3763
peninsula
A piece of LAND that is almost an ISLAND, being nearly surrounded by water; by extension any piece of LAND projecting into the SEA, so that ... more
A piece of LAND that is almost an ISLAND, being nearly surrounded by water; by extension any piece of LAND projecting into the SEA, so that the greater part of its BOUNDARY is COASTLINE.
3764
peninsula: submarine
An elevated portion of the SUBMA­RINE RELIEF resembling a PENINSULA. The opposite is SAC.
3765
perch
A staff placed on top of a BUOY, ROCK, or SHOAL as a MARK for navigators. A ball or cage is sometimes placed at the top of the perch, as an ... more
A staff placed on top of a BUOY, ROCK, or SHOAL as a MARK for navigators. A ball or cage is sometimes placed at the top of the perch, as an identifying MARK. A unit of length equal to 5.5 YARDS or 16.5 FEET. Also called ROD, POLE.
3766
percolation
The process by which water is forced by wave action through the inter­stices of the bottom sediment and has a tendency to reduce WAVE HEIGH... more
The process by which water is forced by wave action through the inter­stices of the bottom sediment and has a tendency to reduce WAVE HEIGHTS.
3767
perigean range (of tide)
The average of all monthly TIDE RANGES occurring at the TIME of PERIGEE. It is larger than the MEAN RANGE, where the TYPE OF TIDE is either ... more
The average of all monthly TIDE RANGES occurring at the TIME of PERIGEE. It is larger than the MEAN RANGE, where the TYPE OF TIDE is either semidiurnal or mixed, and is of no practical significance where the TYPE OF TIDE is diurnal.
3768
perigean tides
See TIDE.
3769
perigee
That orbital point nearest the EARTH when the EARTH is the centre of attraction, as opposed to APOGEE.
3770
perihelion
That orbital point nearest the SUN, when the SUN is the centre of attraction, as opposed to APHELION.
3771
period
The interval needed to complete a CYCLE. Any specified duration of time.
3772
period (of a navigational light)
The TIME taken to exhibit one complete sequence of intervals of light and darkness.
3773
periodic current
See CURRENT.
3774
periodic error
See ERROR.
3775
periodic wave(s)
See WAVE.
3776
peripheral equipment
In computer systems, any unit of equipment, distinct from the central unit, which may provide the system with outside communication.
3777
permafrost
A LAYER of SOIL or BEDROCK at a variable depth beneath the surface of the EARTH in which the temperature has been below freezing continuousl... more
A LAYER of SOIL or BEDROCK at a variable depth beneath the surface of the EARTH in which the temperature has been below freezing continuously from a few to several thousands of years. Permafrost exists where the summer heating fails to descend to the base of the LAYER of frozen ground.
3778
permanent current
See CURRENT.
3779
Permanent International Association of Navigation Congresses (PIANC)
Fosters progress of inland and maritime waterways, of ports and of coastal areas by research and information exchange.
3780
permanent magnetism
See MAGNETISM.