SYKE [from the Anglo-Saxon sych]. A streamlet of water that flows in winter and dries up in summer.
SYMPIESOMETER, or Oil-barometer. A convenient portable instrument for measuring the weight of the atmosphere by the compression of a gaseous column; capital for small cabins.
SYNODICAL MONTH. The period in which the moon goes through every variety of phase, as from one conjunction to another.
SYNODICAL PERIOD OR REVOLUTION. If the interval of periodic time of a planet, or comet, be taken in reference to its passages through either of the nodes, its circuit is called synodical.
SYPHERED. One edge of a plank overlapping that of another, so that both planks shall make a plane surface with their bevelled edges, though not a flat or square joint.
SYSTEM. The method of disposing the correlative parts of a fortification, proposed variously by many eminent engineers.
SYSTEM OF THE UNIVERSE. See [Copernican System].
SYZIGEE. Either conjunction or opposition, in reference to the orbit of the moon.