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Eng ID Term Definition
2621
jetsam
See JETTISON.
2622
jettison
The throwing overboard of objects, especially to lighten a craft in distress. Jettisoned objects that float are termed flotsam; those that s... more
The throwing overboard of objects, especially to lighten a craft in distress. Jettisoned objects that float are termed flotsam; those that sink, jetsam; and heavy articles that are buoyed for future recovery, lagan. See DERELICT.
2623
jetty
In U.S. terminology, a structure, such as a WHARF or PIER, so located as to influence CURRENT or protect the ENTRANCE to a HARBOUR or RIVER.... more
In U.S. terminology, a structure, such as a WHARF or PIER, so located as to influence CURRENT or protect the ENTRANCE to a HARBOUR or RIVER. In British terminology, a PIER, usually of solid construction, intended as a berthing place for vessels. See DOCK, LANDING, WHARF.
2624
joule
The unit of work or energy in the SI SYSTEM.
2625
joystick
In computer systems, a pointing device opera­ted by pressing a stick in a desired direction.
2626
Julian day
The number of each day, as reckoned conse­cutively since the beginning of the present Julian period on January 1, 4713 BC. The Julian day be... more
The number of each day, as reckoned conse­cutively since the beginning of the present Julian period on January 1, 4713 BC. The Julian day begins at noon, 12 hours later than the corresponding civil day.
2627
junction
Place of meeting or joining, as that of a TRIBUTARY with a main RIVER, or of two CHANNELS in a WATERWAY. In LEVELLING, the place where two o... more
Place of meeting or joining, as that of a TRIBUTARY with a main RIVER, or of two CHANNELS in a WATERWAY. In LEVELLING, the place where two or more LINES OF LEVELS are connected toge­ther. In HYDROGRAPHIC SURVEY, the joining of two adjacent survey sheets. See OVERLAP.
2628
junction buoy
A BUOY marking the inner end of a MIDDLE GROUND. Usually called a MIDDLE GROUND BUOY in British termi­nology, without regard to direction of... more
A BUOY marking the inner end of a MIDDLE GROUND. Usually called a MIDDLE GROUND BUOY in British termi­nology, without regard to direction of travel.
2629
Kalman filter
In electronics, a mathematical-stati­sti­cal method for predicting a time-variable signal in the presence of disturbances. The method exploi... more
In electronics, a mathematical-stati­sti­cal method for predicting a time-variable signal in the presence of disturbances. The method exploits the fact that certain characteristic parameters of the process vary slowly with time, so that a best estimate of the signal can be obtained as a function of time.
2630
katabatic wind
An offshore wind produced by cold air draining from high ground by convection. The cold air replaces the lighter warm air which is rising ov... more
An offshore wind produced by cold air draining from high ground by convection. The cold air replaces the lighter warm air which is rising over the sea.
2631
kay
See CAY.
2632
kedging
Moving a vessel by laying out an anchor and then hauling the vessel up to the anchor.
2633
keg buoy
A BUOY consisting of a keg to which is attached a small pole with a flag, used by fishermen to mark the position of a trawl line. See DAN BU... more
A BUOY consisting of a keg to which is attached a small pole with a flag, used by fishermen to mark the position of a trawl line. See DAN BUOY.
2634
kelp
One of an order of usually large blade-shaped or vinelike brown ALGAE.
2635
Kelvin temperature scale
Thermodynamic scale of temperature (T°K) defined by assigning to the triple point of pure water, considered as a fundamental fixed point, th... more
Thermodynamic scale of temperature (T°K) defined by assigning to the triple point of pure water, considered as a fundamental fixed point, the temperature of 273.16°K. Also called absolute temperature scale.
2636
Kelvin wave
A long ocean wave whose amplitude decrea­ses from right to left along the wave crest when viewed in the direction of travel in the northern ... more
A long ocean wave whose amplitude decrea­ses from right to left along the wave crest when viewed in the direction of travel in the northern hemisphere and from left to right in the southern hemisphere. The component of gravity acting down the slope is exactly balanced by the deflecting force of the earth's rotation, the CORIOLIS FORCE.
2637
key
See CAY.
2638
kilogram(me)
The unit of mass in the SI system.
2639
kite
A mechanical con­trivance towed beneath the surface to warn of arrival in water of a certain DEPTH. See SUBMARINE SENTRY. A contrivance for ... more
A mechanical con­trivance towed beneath the surface to warn of arrival in water of a certain DEPTH. See SUBMARINE SENTRY. A contrivance for holding the inner end of an OROPESA SWEEP to the required DEPTH.
2640
kite otter
A multi-plane device which can be used either as a KITE or as an OTTER depending on the way it is slung. See OROPESA SWEEP.