Horse Latitudes

Pronunciation: /hɔrs ˈlætɪˌtudz/

Definitions of horse latitudes

noun a subtropical high-pressure belt characterized by calm winds and hot, dry weather, located around 30 degrees north and south of the equator

Example Sentences

A1 I heard that sailors used to get stuck in the horse latitudes due to lack of wind.

A2 The term 'horse latitudes' refers to regions of the ocean known for calm winds and high pressure.

B1 Sailors in the horse latitudes often had to throw horses overboard to conserve water and food.

B2 The horse latitudes are located around 30 degrees north and south of the equator.

C1 Historically, the horse latitudes were a navigational challenge for sailors crossing the oceans.

C2 The horse latitudes are regions of the ocean characterized by their subtropical high-pressure systems.

Examples of horse latitudes in a Sentence

formal Sailors often encountered calm winds and high temperatures in the horse latitudes during their voyages.

informal I heard that the horse latitudes can be a real pain for sailors with no wind to move their ship.

slang Man, we got stuck in the horse latitudes for days with no breeze in sight.

figurative Being in the horse latitudes of bureaucracy, she felt like she was stuck in a never-ending cycle of paperwork with no progress.

Grammatical Forms of horse latitudes

• plural: horse latitudes
• comparative: more horse-like latitude
• superlative: most horse-like latitude
• present tense: horse latitudes
• future tense: will be horse latitudes
• perfect tense: has been horse latitudes
• continuous tense: is being horse latitudes
• singular: horse latitude
• positive degree: horse latitude
• infinitive: to be a horse latitude
• gerund: being a horse latitude
• participle: having horse latitude

Origin and Evolution of horse latitudes

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: English

Story behind the word: The term 'horse latitudes' originated from the practice of sailors throwing horses overboard when their ships were becalmed in the latitudes around 30 degrees north and south of the equator, where there was often a lack of wind and water. The term was also associated with the idea of the horses being sacrificed to save the rest of the crew and cargo.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'horse latitudes' has come to refer more generally to any area of calm or stagnant weather conditions, rather than specifically to the practice of throwing horses overboard. The term has also been used metaphorically to describe situations where progress is impeded or stalled.