Definition

1. Noun:
   • The compass point that is one point west of due north: A precise direction on a 32-point compass, located exactly halfway between north (N) and north-northwest (NNW).

Usage

• As a specific direction: Used in navigation, meteorology (e.g., for wind direction), surveying, and other fields requiring precise directional notation.
• As a fixed point: Represents an azimuth of 348.75 degrees (where North is 0/360 degrees).

Examples

• Noun:
  • The storm is approaching from the nbw.
  • Set your course to nbw to reach the hidden cove.
  • The wind shifted from north to nbw overnight.

Advanced Usage

• In formal notation: Often written in uppercase as "NbW" in technical documents or on compass cards.
• In relative bearing: Can be used to describe the position of an object relative to an observer (e.g., "The lighthouse bears nbw").

Variants and Related Words

• North by west: The full, formal name for the abbreviation "nbw".
• NNW (North-northwest): The adjacent compass point, one point (11.25°) west of nbw.
• N (North): The adjacent compass point, one point (11.25°) east of nbw.

Synonyms

• 348.75 degrees: The equivalent azimuth in degree notation.
• North by west: The unabbreviated form.

Notes

• This is a specialized term from the traditional 32-point compass rose. It is an abbreviation and is less common in everyday speech than cardinal directions (N, S, E, W).

Noun

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