Word
almanac
Phoneticsal·manac
US/ˈɑɫməˌnæk/
UK/ˈɒlmɐnˌæk/
Definitions
01astronomical/yearly book
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science General-service
n. a book or table that lists events for the year, such as the positions of the stars, the tides, and the weather.
n. an annual publication containing a calendar with astronomical data, tide tables, and often weather forecasts or seasonal information.
“The farmer checked his almanac to see when the first frost was expected.”
“Historically, the nautical almanac was an essential tool for navigators, providing the precise celestial coordinates required to determine a ship's position at sea.”
Usage
Usually used with the definite article 'the' when referring to a specific publication.
02general information handbook
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun General-service
n. a book published every year that gives facts and statistics about many different subjects.
n. a yearly handbook containing a collection of miscellaneous facts, statistical data, and information on a specific subject or field.
“You can look up the population of any country in this world almanac.”
“The political almanac provides a comprehensive breakdown of voting patterns and legislative achievements for every sitting member of parliament.”
Synonyms
03GPS satellite data
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Computing Technical
n. a digital signal from a satellite that tells a GPS device where all the other satellites are.
n. a set of data transmitted by every GPS satellite containing coarse orbit and status information for all satellites in the constellation.
“The GPS receiver needs to download the latest almanac before it can find your location.”
“If a GPS device has been powered off for several months, it must acquire a new almanac to efficiently locate available satellite signals.”
Usage
Often used in the context of 'acquiring' or 'downloading' the data.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“OTTAWA — For those who take the Farmers’ Almanac as gospel, best stock up on driveway salt now.” “When the Almanac was first published in 1868, it hinted at lofty ideals: the Enlightenment’s quest to grasp human knowledge fused with a pragmatic American perspective.” Etymology
From Middle English almenak, from Old French almanach, from Medieval Latin almanachus, from Andalusian Arabic الْمَنَاخ (al-manāḵ, “almanac, calendar”), from Arabic الْمُنَاخ (al-munāḵ, “climate”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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