Dead-reckoning definition

A method of estimating the position of an aircraft or a ship without astronomical observations, as by applying to a previously determined position the course and distance traveled since.
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Predictive calculation based on inference; guesswork.
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The finding of a ship's position by an estimate based on data recorded in the log, as speed and the time spent on a certain course, rather than by more precise means, as astronomical observations or Loran.
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A method of estimating the position of a ship or aircraft by applying estimates of the distance and direction travelled to a previously known position. In respect to ships/boats, it excludes the effect of wind and current on the vessel. Compare with estimated position. Abbreviation: DR.
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Other Word Forms

Noun

Singular:
dead-reckoning
Plural:
dead reckonings

Origin of dead-reckoning

  • Possibly alteration of ded. abbr. of deduced from deduce to trace from the beginning deduce

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

Dead-reckoning Sentence Examples

  • Once I entered the woods I had only dead reckoning to come out near my quarry.

  • Amazing navigation " Do you mean to say you did it all on mere dead reckoning?

  • On 14 December, by ' dead reckoning ', they were at the South Pole.

  • A new second lieutenant must have mastered map reading and land navigation skills, and have an aptitude for dead reckoning and terrain association.

  • Obviously brilliant dead reckoning navigation helped considerably by the coming of dawn !

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