Exploration Vocabulary

Latitude A measure of how far north or south a place on Earth is from the equator. A measure of how far north or south a place on Earth is from the equator.

Longitude A measure of how far east or west a place on Earth is from an imaginary line that runs between the North and South Poles. A measure of how far east or west a place on Earth is from an imaginary line that runs between the North and South Poles.

Compass A navigational instrument for determining direction relative to the Earth's magnetic poles A navigational instrument for determining direction relative to the Earth's magnetic polesmagnetic polesmagnetic poles

Caravel A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship A small, highly maneuverable sailing ship sailingship sailingship

Fleet A collection of ships A collection of ships

Strait A narrow, navigable channel of water that connects two larger navigable bodies of water. A narrow, navigable channel of water that connects two larger navigable bodies of water.navigablechannel of waternavigablechannel of water

Navigate the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another. the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft or vehicle from one place to another.

Cartography the study and practice of making maps. the study and practice of making maps.maps

Astrolabe a historical astronomical instrument used by astronomers, navigators, and astrologers. a historical astronomical instrument used by astronomers, navigators, and astrologers.astronomical instrument astronomersnavigators astrologersastronomical instrument astronomersnavigators astrologers

Chronometer A clock that is precise enough to be used as a portable time standard; it can therefore be used to determine longitude A clock that is precise enough to be used as a portable time standard; it can therefore be used to determine longitudetime standardlongitudetime standardlongitude

Circumnavigate To travel completely around something, such as Earth. To travel completely around something, such as Earth.

Mercantilism An by which nations try to gather as much gold and silver as possible by controlling trade and establishing colonies. An economic policy by which nations try to gather as much gold and silver as possible by controlling trade and establishing colonies.

Epidemic An outbreak of a disease that affects many people within a geographic area. An outbreak of a disease that affects many people within a geographic area.

Colony A country or an area ruled by another country. A country or an area ruled by another country.

Plantation A large farm where crops, such as sugar, rubber, or tobacco are grown. A large farm where crops, such as sugar, rubber, or tobacco are grown.