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geoid

geoid

1 9.5
The shape of a planet that shows average sea level and helps measure heights
  • noun
  • /ˈdʒiːɔɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : geoide
  • The geoid represents the mean sea level of the Earth, serving as a reference for measuring elevations.

Examples

  • But but this is relative to the geoid, relative to a constant level surface on the ocean.

  • The first 'geoid' based on GOCE's gravity measurements was unveiled in June 2010.

    Blog text (8)
  • A geoid is a crucial reference for conducting precise measurements of ocean circulation, sea-level change, and ice dynamics.

    Blog text (8)
  • Concurrently occupying different altitudes over the same WGS84 geoid coordinate does not result in a hit.

    Blog text (1)
  • Scientists rely on the geoid to ensure accurate measurements for sea-level changes and ocean currents.

  • Understanding the geoid is essential for geographers who analyze the Earth's gravitational field and surface features.

Surface Forms

geoid singular
geoids plural

Morphology

geoid = geo + oid (semi-transparent) = geo + oid

The parts suggest something earth-shaped, but the technical geodesy sense is not fully predictable for an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Geoid comes from the Greek parts geo- meaning 'earth' (as in geography) and -oid meaning 'like' or 'shape' (as in asteroid). So a geoid is an 'earth-like shape' — the real, slightly uneven shape of the Earth that shows mean sea level and is used to measure heights and ocean depths.