ANNULAR. Resembling an annulus or ring. An _annular_ eclipse takes place when the apparent diameter of the moon is less than that of the sun, and a zone of light surrounds the moon while central. ANNULAR SCUPPER. A contrivance for fitting scuppers so that the whole can be enlarged by a movable concentric ring, in order that a surcharge of water can be freely delivered; invented by Captain Downes, R.N. ANNULUS. A geometrical figure. (_See_ RING.) ANNULUS ASTRONOMICUS. A ring of brass used formerly in navigation. In 1575 Martin Frobisher, when fitting out on his first voyage for the discovery of a north-west passage, was supplied with one which cost thirty shillings. ANOMALISTIC MONTH. _See_ ANOMALISTIC PERIOD. ANOMALISTIC PERIOD. The time of revolution of a primary or secondary planet in reference to its line of apsides; that is, from one perigee or apogee to another. ANOMALISTIC YEAR. The space of time in which the earth passes through her orbit--distinct from and longer than the tropical year, owing to the precession of the equinoxes. ANOMALY. Deviation from common rule. An irregularity in the motion of a planet by which it deviates from the aphelion or apogee.--_Mean anomaly_ formerly signified the distance of a planet's mean place from the apogee: it is the angular distance of a planet or comet from perihelion supposing it to have moved with its mean velocity.--_True anomaly_, the true angular distance of a planet or comet from perihelion. (_See_ EXCENTRIC and EQUATED.) ANON. Quickly, directly, immediately. ANONYMOUS PARTNERSHIPS. Those not carried on under a special name, and the particulars known only to the parties themselves. This is much practised in France, and often occasions trouble in prize-courts. ANSÆ. The dolphins or handles of brass ordnance. Also the projections or arms of the ring on each side of Saturn's globe, in certain situations relative to the earth. ANSERES. Birds of the goose tribe. ANSWER, TO. To reply, to succeed; as, the frigate has _answered_ the signal. This boat will not _answer_. ANSWERS HER HELM. When a ship obeys the rudder or steers. ANTARCTIC. Opposite to the Arctic--abbreviated from _anti-arctic_. ANTARCTIC CIRCLE. One of the lesser circles of the sphere, on the south parallel of the equator, and 23-1/2° from the south pole. ANTARCTIC OCEAN. That which surrounds the south pole, within the imaginary circle so called. ANTARCTIC POLE. The south end of the earth's axis. ANTARES. A star of the first magnitude, popularly known as the _scorpion's heart_ (α Scorpio): it is one of those called "nautical" stars, used for determining the latitude and longitude at night. ANTECEDENTAL METHOD. A branch of general geometrical proportion, or universal comparison of ratios. ANTECEDENTIA. A planet's apparent motion to the westward, contrary to the order of the signs. ANTECEDENT OF A RATIO. The first of the two terms.