ANALYSIS. The resolution of anything into its constituent parts: mathematically, it is the method of resolving problems by reducing them to equations.--_Analysis of curves_ is that which shows their properties, points of inflection, station, variation, &c.--_Analysis of finite quantities_ is termed specious arithmetic or algebra.--_Analysis of infinites_ is a modern introduction, and used for fluxions or the differential calculus.--_Analysis of powers_ is the evolution or resolving them into their roots.--_Analysis of metals_, fluids, solids, earths, manures, &c. ANALYTIC. That which partakes of the property of analysis, and is reducible thereby. ANAN. A word going out of use, uttered when an order was not understood, equal to "What do you say, sir?" It is also used by corruption for _anon_, immediately. ANANAS. (_Bromelia_). Pine-apple. ANAPHORA. A term sometimes applied to the oblique ascensions of the stars. ANAS. A genus of water-birds of the order _Natatores_. Now restricted to the typical ducks. ANASTROUS. _See_ DODECATIMORIA. ANAUMACHION. The crime amongst the ancients of refusing to serve in the fleet--the punishment affixed to which was infamy. ANCHIROMACHUS.--A kind of vessel of the middle ages used for transporting anchors and naval stores. ANCHOR. A large and heavy instrument in use from the earliest times for holding and retaining ships, which it executes with admirable force. With few exceptions it consists of a long iron shank, having at one end a ring, to which the cable is attached, and the other branching out into two arms, with flukes or palms at their bill or extremity. A stock of timber or iron is fixed at right angles to the arms, and serves to guide the flukes perpendicularly to the surface of the ground. According to their various form and size, anchors obtain the epithets of the _sheet_, _best bower_, _small bower_, _spare_, _stream_, _kedge_, and _grapling_ (which see under their respective heads). _Anchor floating_, _see_ FLOATING ANCHOR.--_At anchor_, the situation of a ship which rides by its anchor.--_To anchor_, to cast or to let go the anchor, so that it falls into the ground for the ship to ride thereby.--_To anchor_ with a spring on the cable, _see_ SPRING. _Anchor_ is also used figuratively for anything which confers security or stability. ANCHORABLE. Fit for anchorage. ANCHORAGE. Ground which is suitable, and neither too deep, shallow, or exposed for ships to ride in safety upon; also the set of anchors belonging to a ship; also a royal duty levied from vessels coming to a port or roadstead for the use of its advantages. It is generally marked on the charts by an anchor, and described according to its attributes of good, snug, open, or exposed. ANCHOR-BALL. A pyrotechnical combustible attached to a grapnel for adhering to and setting fire to ships.