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shell money

(Encyclopedia)shell money, medium of exchange consisting of shells, the most widely distributed type of ancient currency. Shells are particularly useful as money because they may be strung in long strips of proport...

Tarawa

(Encyclopedia)Tarawa təräˈwə, tărˈəwä [key], atoll (1990 pop. 28,802), capital of Kiribati, central Pacific, previously capital of the former British colony of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands. The administra...

Calloway, Cab

(Encyclopedia)Calloway, Cab (Cabell Calloway) kălˈəwāˌ [key], 1907–94, jazz singer and band leader, b. Rochester, N.Y. Known for his inventive creativity, he hired some of the top musicians of his day for hi...

Maizuru

(Encyclopedia)Maizuru mīˈzo͞oro͞o [key], city (1990 pop. 96,333), Kyoto prefecture, SW Honshu, Japan, on Maizuru Bay. It is an important port and naval base with the best natural harbor on the Japan Sea coast. ...

Mystic, rivers, United States

(Encyclopedia)Mystic. 1 River, c.10 mi (16 km) long, rising in SE Conn. and flowing S past Old Mystic and Mystic villages to the Long Island Sound. Mystic Seaport, a maritime museum, is at its mouth. 2 River, c.7 m...

Gosport

(Encyclopedia)Gosport gŏsˈpôrt [key], city and district, Hampshire, S England. The city is a major port ...

Jasper, William

(Encyclopedia)Jasper, William, c.1750–79, American Revolutionary soldier, b. South Carolina (possibly near Georgetown). He joined William Moultrie's regiment early in the Revolution (1775), was made sergeant, and...

Eisenhüttenstadt

(Encyclopedia)Eisenhüttenstadt īˌzənhütˈənshtät [key], city, Brandenburg, E Germany; on the Oder River at the border with ...

San Lorenzo

(Encyclopedia)San Lorenzo, town, S Honduras, on the Gulf of Fonseca. Its satellite, Henecán is the chief Pacific port of Honduras. Henecán's modern port facilities and deepwater harbor and channel approach were c...

gem, ornamental mineral or organic substance

(Encyclopedia)gem, commonly, a mineral or organic substance, cut and polished and used as an ornament. Gems also are used as seals (items of assurance) and as talismans (good-luck charms). For birthstones, see mont...