West: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 11:50, 15 February 2025

West[edit]

West is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite of east and is perpendicular to north and south.

In the context of geography, west is the direction towards which the Earth rotates about its axis, and it is the direction in which the sun sets. In the Western Hemisphere, west is often associated with the Western world, which includes countries in Europe and the Americas.

Etymology[edit]

The word "west" derives from the Proto-Indo-European root *wes-, meaning "to go down," which is also the root of the word "evening." This reflects the fact that the sun sets in the west.

Cultural Significance[edit]

In many cultures, west is associated with the end of the day and is often symbolically linked to death or the afterlife. In Western culture, the west is often seen as a place of exploration and expansion, as exemplified by the American West during the period of westward expansion.

Navigation[edit]

In navigation, west is used as a reference point for determining direction. On a standard compass, west is at 270 degrees. Navigators use the cardinal directions, including west, to chart courses and determine bearings.

Astronomy[edit]

In astronomy, west is the direction in which celestial objects appear to move across the sky due to the rotation of the Earth. This apparent motion is called "diurnal motion." The sun, moon, and stars all rise in the east and set in the west.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''West Nile virus''' is a [[virus]] most commonly spread to people by [[mosquito]] bites. In North America, cases of West Nile virus (WNV) occur during mosquito season, which starts in the summer and continues through fall. WNV cases have been reported in all of the continental United States. There are no vaccines to prevent or medications to treat WNV in people. Fortunately, most people infected with WNV do not feel sick. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms. About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious, sometimes fatal, illness. You can reduce your risk of WNV by using insect repellent and wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent mosquito bites.
+== West ==
-==Symptoms==
+[[File:Compass_Rose_English_West.svg|thumb|right|A compass rose showing the direction West]]
-Most people (8 out of 10) infected with West Nile virus do not develop any symptoms. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever with other symptoms such as headache, body aches, joint pains, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Most people with this type of West Nile virus disease recover completely, but fatigue and weakness can last for weeks or months.
-==Transmission==
+'''West''' is one of the four cardinal directions or points of the compass. It is the opposite of [[east]] and is perpendicular to [[north]] and [[south]].
-West Nile virus is most commonly transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. You can reduce your risk of being infected with WNV by using insect repellent and wearing protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites.
-==Prevention==
+In the context of [[geography]], west is the direction towards which the [[Earth]] rotates about its [[axis]], and it is the direction in which the [[sun]] sets. In the [[Western Hemisphere]], west is often associated with the [[Western world]], which includes countries in [[Europe]] and the [[Americas]].
-The most effective way to prevent infection from West Nile virus is to prevent mosquito bites. Mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Use insect repellent, wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, treat clothing and gear, and take steps to control mosquitoes indoors and outdoors.
-==Treatment==
+== Etymology ==
-No vaccine or specific antiviral treatments for West Nile virus infection are available. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to reduce fever and relieve some symptoms. In severe cases, patients often need to be hospitalized to receive supportive treatment, such as intravenous fluids, pain medication, and nursing care.
+The word "west" derives from the [[Proto-Indo-European language|Proto-Indo-European]] root *wes-, meaning "to go down," which is also the root of the word "evening." This reflects the fact that the sun sets in the west.
-[[Category:Viral diseases]]
+== Cultural Significance ==
-[[Category:Insect-borne diseases]]
+In many cultures, west is associated with the end of the day and is often symbolically linked to [[death]] or the [[afterlife]]. In [[Western culture]], the west is often seen as a place of exploration and expansion, as exemplified by the [[American West]] during the period of [[westward expansion]].
-[[Category:Health]]
-[[Category:Medicine]]
-{{stub}}
+== Navigation ==
+In navigation, west is used as a reference point for determining direction. On a standard [[compass]], west is at 270 degrees. Navigators use the cardinal directions, including west, to chart courses and determine bearings.
+== Astronomy ==
+In [[astronomy]], west is the direction in which celestial objects appear to move across the sky due to the rotation of the Earth. This apparent motion is called "diurnal motion." The [[sun]], [[moon]], and [[stars]] all rise in the east and set in the west.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[East]]
+* [[North]]
+* [[South]]
+* [[Compass]]
+* [[Western Hemisphere]]
+[[Category:Cardinal directions]]