longitude by account: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very Low (Technical/Historical)Technical, Historical, Nautical
Quick answer
What does “longitude by account” mean?
A navigational method for estimating longitude at sea by dead reckoning, based on course, speed, and time elapsed from a known position, rather than by direct astronomical observation.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A navigational method for estimating longitude at sea by dead reckoning, based on course, speed, and time elapsed from a known position, rather than by direct astronomical observation.
Any method of determining a position or status through calculation or estimation based on previous data, rather than by direct measurement or observation. Can be used metaphorically in non-navigational contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. More likely to appear in British historical texts due to the UK's maritime history.
Connotations
Historical, imprecise, reliant on skill and estimation.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties. Slightly higher potential frequency in British academic historical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “longitude by account” in a Sentence
[Ship/ Navigator] + [verb: determined/estimated/found] + longitude by account + [prepositional phrase: from/after departure]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “longitude by account” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The 18th-century mariner would often have to longitude by account for weeks on end.
American English
- The captain decided to longitude by account after the sextant was lost overboard.
adverb
British English
- The fleet proceeded longitude-by-account, hoping to sight land soon.
American English
- They were sailing longitude-by-account, a risky practice in unknown waters.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically used: 'Our market position is just a longitude by account until the quarterly reports come in.'
Academic
Used in historical papers on navigation, geography, or the history of science.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Used in historical navigation studies or in detailed replicas of traditional sailing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “longitude by account”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “longitude by account”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “longitude by account”
- Confusing it with 'latitude by account' (not a standard phrase).
- Using it in modern contexts where GPS or precise instruments are implied.
- Misspelling as 'longitude by accounts'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a purely historical term. Modern navigation uses GPS, electronic charts, and precise timekeeping.
'Longitude by account' is a specific application of dead reckoning focused solely on determining longitude. Dead reckoning estimates both latitude and longitude (and overall position).
Errors accumulated from imprecise measurements of speed, unaccounted-for currents, leeway (sideways drift), and the inaccuracy of timekeeping over long voyages.
Yes, it can metaphorically describe any situation where one's understanding or position is based on estimation and projection rather than on confirmed, up-to-date facts.
A navigational method for estimating longitude at sea by dead reckoning, based on course, speed, and time elapsed from a known position, rather than by direct astronomical observation.
Longitude by account is usually technical, historical, nautical in register.
Longitude by account: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒŋ.ɡɪ.tjuːd baɪ əˈkaʊnt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑːn.dʒə.tuːd baɪ əˈkaʊnt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be navigating by longitude by account (metaphor: to be making decisions based on rough estimates without current data).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a ship's captain keeping an ACCOUNT (ledger) of days sailed and miles covered to GUESS the LONGITUDE.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS NAVIGATION / An estimate is a calculated but unverified position.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'longitude by account' specifically refer to?