🇫🇷French Source WordCode: FR

point cardinal

Pronunciation / Transliteration: pwɛ̃ kaʁdinal

🇬🇧 Direct English Meaning:
Compass point/ˈkʌm.pəs ˌpɔɪnt/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #14500 frequency
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🇫🇷 Example Sentence in French:

"Le nord est le principal point cardinal utilisé en navigation."

Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    Any of the main directions marked on a mariner's compass, such as north, south, east, or west, or their intermediate subdivisions.

    "The sailor checked the compass point to ensure the ship remained on its correct course."
  2. 2

    A specific direction or division on a compass dial representing a precise bearing.

    "Each major compass point is separated by ninety degrees on the navigation circle."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from Middle English 'compass' (from Old French 'compas', based on Latin 'compassare' meaning to pace out) and 'point' (from Old French 'point', from Latin 'punctum' meaning a prick or spot). Historically adopted in maritime and cartographic contexts during the late Middle Ages to designate specific directions marked on a navigational compass card.

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