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horse latitudes definition

horse latitudes

either of two belts over the oceans at c. 30° - 35° north and south latitude, characterized by calms, light wind, high barometric pressure, and hot, dry weather

Etymology: said to be so named because sailing vessels transporting horses to the West Indies often had to throw horses overboard because of water shortages resulting from delays while becalmed

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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