patent log

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Definitions from WordNet

Noun patent log has 1 sense

patent log, screw log, taffrail log - a torpedo-shaped log with rotary fins that measure the ship's speed
--₁ is a kind of log

Definitions from the Web

Patent Log

A patent log refers to a type of log used on ships to determine their speed and distance traveled. It consists of a wooden float attached to a line with a marked scale, which is thrown overboard and allowed to float freely. This log provides crucial information to sailors and navigators for navigation and mapping purposes.

Sample sentences:

The captain asked the crew member to throw the patent log overboard to measure the ship's speed.
Using the patent log, the navigators calculated the distance covered during the stormy voyage.
The old sailor's journal mentioned the use of the patent log as an essential tool for navigation.