Columbia Encyclopedia

(Encyclopedia) topography təpŏgˈrəfē [key], description or representation of the features and configuration of land surfaces. Topographic maps use symbols and coloring, with particular attention given to the sh...

(Encyclopedia) sperm oil, liquid wax obtained from the sperm whale, or cachalot, and related marine mammals. It flows readily, is clear, and varies in color from pale yellow to brownish yellow. Chemically it is not ...

(Encyclopedia) Alamogordo ălˌəməgôrˈdō, –də [key], city, seat of Otero co., S N.Mex., near the Sacramento Mts.; inc. 1912. Holloman Air Force Base, home to U.S. stealth aircraf...

(Encyclopedia) Zumárraga, Juan de hwän dā tho͞omäˈrägä [key], 1468–1548, Spanish churchman, first bishop of Mexico, a Franciscan. Going to Mexico in 1528, he became prominent in governmental affairs and op...

(Encyclopedia) Shetland pony, smallest breed of horse, originating in the Shetland Islands some 200 mi (322 km) N of Scotland. The Shetland resembles a miniature draft horse and has long been used for working purpos...

(Encyclopedia) American water spaniel, breed of medium-sized sporting dog developed in the American Midwest. It stands about 17 in. (43.2 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs between 30 and 40 lb (13.6–18.1 kg). It...

(Encyclopedia) Kuniyoshi, Yasuo yäso͞o-ōˈ ko͝onˌēyōˈshē [key], 1889?–1953, American painter, b. Okayama, Japan. He came to the United States in 1906 and studied art in Los Angeles and at the Art Students...

(Encyclopedia) stibnite stĭbˈnīt [key], antimony sulfide, Sb2S3, a mineral, silvery gray in color, with a metallic luster. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic system. Found in many parts of the world, it is the m...

(Encyclopedia) Rayleigh, John William Strutt, 3d Baron rāˈlē [key], 1842–1919, English physicist. He was professor at Cambridge (1879–84) and at the Royal Institution (1887–1905), and chancellor of Cambridg...

(Encyclopedia) amontillado əmŏnˌtĭläˈdō [key], dry sherry noted for its delicate bouquet, resembling the wine of Montilla, Spain, from which it derives its name. A blend of pale, dry sherries of the palma typ...