Circumnavigation

/ˌsɜːrkəmnævɪˈɡeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

A complete journey around something, especially Earth, by ship or aircraft; the act of circumnavigating.

Etymology

From circumnavigate + -tion suffix. Coined in the 16th century to describe Magellan's historic voyage around the world.

Kelly Says

Circumnavigation became possible only once ships were reliable enough to carry supplies for months—before the Age of Exploration, people couldn't even attempt it. The first circumnavigation changed everything about how humans saw themselves and their planet.

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