Definition

Noun: - The compass point that is one point west of due south: A precise direction on a 32-point compass, located halfway between south-southwest (SSW) and south.

Usage

This is a highly specialized nautical or navigational term. It is an abbreviation for "south by west." It is used to indicate a very specific bearing or direction. - The captain ordered a course correction to sbw to avoid the reef. - On the old compass, the point between south and south-southwest is marked as sbw.

Advanced Usage

• In Navigation: Used in traditional maritime navigation, cartography, and by enthusiasts of traditional sailing. It represents a bearing of 191.25 degrees.
  • The log entry read: "Steady as she goes, holding sbw."

Variants and Related Words

• South by west: The full, unabbreviated form of the term.
• SSW (South-Southwest): The adjacent compass point, one point east of sbw.
• S (South): The cardinal direction.

Synonyms

• 191.25 degrees: The equivalent bearing in modern 360-degree notation.

Notes

• sbw is an abbreviation and is typically written in lowercase. It is not a common word in everyday English and is almost exclusively found in technical or historical contexts related to navigation.

Noun

1. the compass point that is one point west of due south