Glossary O

Oasis
A fertile place in the desert where there is water and some vegetation.

Ocean
A large body of salt water that surrounds a continent. Oceans cover more than two-thirds of the Earth's surface. (see more about oceans)

Off-Set Jaws (hunting)
The type of jaws on a leg-hold trap that, when closed, retain a gap of approximately 1/8 to 1/4 inch.

Open Wound
An injury that is exposed due to broken skin. An open wound is at high risk for infection.

Orienteering
Using a map and compass in the field to determine your route of travel.

Outhaul (boating)
Rope used to stretch a sail tight along the boom.

Outside Spread (hunting)
The distance between the two widest points on an animal's antlers.

Overcast
Sky condition when greater than 9/10 of the sky is covered by clouds.

Oxbow Lake
An oxbow lake is a stagnant lake that is formed alongside a winding river when the river changes path because of soil erosion, leaving an abandoned stream channel, cut off from the rest of the river.