nor'east
Definition
Noun:
- A compass point: "nor'east" is a dialectal or nautical abbreviation for "northeast," the direction or point on the compass midway between north and east (45 degrees clockwise from north).
Adjective:
- Located in or coming from the northeast: Describing something situated in, moving toward, or originating from the northeast direction.
Adverb:
- Toward or from the northeast: Indicating movement or orientation in the northeast direction.
Usage Examples
Noun:
- The wind shifted to the nor'east, bringing cooler air. (The wind changed direction to come from the northeast.)
Adjective:
- They sailed on a nor'east course to reach the fishing grounds. (They traveled in a direction toward the northeast.)
Adverb:
- The storm moved nor'east along the coast. (The storm traveled toward the northeast.)
Advanced Usage
"nor'easter" (common derivative): A storm or wind from the northeast, especially a powerful coastal storm in the northeastern United States.
- A classic nor'easter is expected to hit New England tonight. (A strong northeast storm is predicted.)
"nor'east by north": A more precise nautical compass point, one point north of northeast.
Variants and Related Words
- Northeast (n, adj, adv): The standard term for the same direction; "nor'east" is a colloquial contraction.
- Nor'easter (n): A storm from the northeast (see Advanced Usage).
- Nor'west (n, adj, adv): A similar contraction for "northwest."
Synonyms
- Northeast: The full, standard form of the word.
- N.E.: The abbreviation (used in writing or on compasses).
Related Idioms
"Batten down the hatches for a nor'easter": A nautical phrase meaning to prepare for a severe storm from the northeast.
- The captain ordered everyone to secure the equipment — a nor'easter is coming. (Prepare for a dangerous northeast storm.)
"From the nor'east": Used in weather reports or nautical contexts to indicate the origin of wind.
- The gale is blowing from the nor'east. (The strong wind is coming from the northeast direction.)