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Cob

Cob is a natural building material composed of subsoil with high clay content, fibrous organic matter such as straw, water, and occasionally lime or sand, molded by hand into monolithic walls without forms or shuttering.^[1]^[2] This earthen mixture has been employed for millennia in vernacular architecture across various cultures, with evidence of similar techniques dating back over 10,000 years, though its prominence in England emerged by the 15th century from earlier wattle-and-daub methods.^[3]^[4] Particularly prevalent in southwest England, where thousands of cob structures endure due to their thermal mass, seismic flexibility, and longevity when protected by thick thatched roofs and lime renders, the material enables organic, sculpted designs that prioritize functionality over uniformity.^[5]^[6] In contemporary applications, cob's revival stems from its minimal embodied energy, local sourcing, and carbon-sequestering properties via straw, positioning it as a viable alternative in sustainable construction amid empirical demonstrations of durability in modern tests, despite regulatory hurdles in some regions favoring industrialized materials.^[7]^[8]

Biological Terms

Animal Designations

In ornithology, "cob" designates the adult male swan across species such as the mute swan (Cygnus olor) and trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator), distinguishing it from the female, termed a "pen," based on subtle physical differences including greater body mass and size in the male.^[9] Cobs generally exhibit a more pronounced bill knob or berry at the base of the upper mandible, which enlarges during breeding season, aiding in sex identification alongside behavioral cues like territorial aggression during nesting.^[10] This nomenclature reflects historical English usage, where "cob" implies a leader or dominant individual, aligning with the male's role in pair bonding and defense of cygnets (immature swans).^[11] The term's application emphasizes monomorphic plumage in swans, where sexual dimorphism is minimal and primarily manifests in size disparities: adult cobs average 10-15% heavier than pens, with weights reaching up to 15 kg (33 lb) in mute swans compared to 9-10 kg (20-22 lb) for females.^[9] No other common animal designations use "cob" for sex-specific roles, though colloquial extensions appear rarely in falconry or aviculture for mature male birds of similar stature; however, ornithological consensus confines it to swans.^[11] Distinguishing cobs from pens in the field often requires observation of multiple traits, as single indicators like neck length or vocalization vary by species and individual condition.^[9]

Plant Components

In botanical contexts, the term "cob" most commonly denotes the central core of the maize (Zea mays) ear, a cylindrical structure that serves as the axis for kernel attachment and development. Composed primarily of lignified woody tissue, chaff, and pithy material, the cob forms from the rachis of the female spikelet inflorescence, providing mechanical support and vascular conduits for nutrient and water transport to the maturing kernels.^[12]^[13] Kernels adhere to the cob in precise rows—typically 12 to 20 pairs—arranged bilaterally around its circumference, with each kernel connected via a pedicel that facilitates silk (stigma) emergence from the ovules during pollination. The cob's diameter averages 2–4 cm, lengthening to 10–20 cm in mature ears, and its rigid composition persists post-harvest, rendering it a fibrous byproduct often utilized in industrial applications or left as field residue.^[13]^[14] Developmentally, the cob originates at mid-stem nodes on the maize plant, emerging as part of the ear shoot under hormonal regulation by auxins and gibberellins, which coordinate spikelet differentiation and prevent abortion of basal ovules. In exceptional cases, such as tassel-ear anomalies, rudimentary cobs may form on male inflorescences, though these yield inferior, sparsely kernaled structures due to disrupted sexual dimorphism.^[15]^[16] While less prevalent, "cob" occasionally refers to the nut of certain hazel species (Corylus spp.), as in "cobnut," a cultivated variety of European hazelnut (C. avellana) where the term describes the woody, cupule-enclosed fruit rather than a structural axis akin to the maize cob. This usage stems from historical English nomenclature but does not imply a homologous plant component.^[17]

Nut Varieties

A cobnut is a cultivated form of the hazelnut (Corylus avellana), distinguished by its larger size compared to wild hazelnuts and harvested fresh while the kernel remains moist and the husk green, typically from mid-August to September in regions like Kent, England.^[18] Unlike wild varieties, cobnuts are selectively bred for nut production, yield consistency, and flavor, with shells that crack more easily.^[19] The term "cobnut" derives from historical children's games involving strung nuts, and it specifically denotes nuts with a short husk that does not fully enclose the nut, differentiating them from filberts, which have longer husks covering the nut entirely.^[20]^[19] Prominent cobnut varieties include the Kentish Cob, a traditional English cultivar prized for its plump nuts, high yield, and suitability for home gardens, ripening in late September with a sweet, rich flavor.^[21]^[22] The Gunslebert, a more recent hybrid, produces notably large nuts with good disease resistance, though it requires cross-pollination and yields from mid-September.^[23]^[21] Ennis cobnuts yield clusters of sizable, thin-shelled nuts with excellent flavor, harvested around late September, and are valued for commercial production due to their productivity in suitable climates.^[23]^[24] Other notable varieties encompass Cosford, a reliable pollinator with medium-sized nuts and early ripening in August, suitable for hedging or orchards.^[24]^[25] Nottingham (also known as Pearson's Prolific) features elongated nuts with thin shells, offering heavy crops and mid-season harvest, though prone to filbertworm susceptibility.^[24] Hall's Giant produces exceptionally large nuts on vigorous trees, ideal for ample yields but requiring space.^[25] Varieties like Webb's Prize and Butler contribute to diversity, with the former known for prize-winning size and the latter for robust growth, though specific yield data varies by soil and pollination partners.^[24] Cultivation typically demands well-drained soil, full sun, and compatible pollinators, as most cobnuts are partially self-incompatible.^[22]^[21]

Equine and Agricultural References

Horse Types

A cob is a type of horse defined by its compact, sturdy conformation rather than as a distinct breed, featuring strong bones, large joints, and a generally stout appearance suitable for versatile use.^[26] These horses typically exhibit a short, muscular neck, deep body, and substantial hindquarters, with a temperament noted for steadiness and reliability, making them popular for recreational riding among novice or less confident equestrians.^[27]^[28] Cobs generally range in height from 14.2 hands (about 1.47 meters) to 15.2 hands (about 1.57 meters), exceeding pony height limits while remaining shorter and more robust than many light riding horses.^[27]^[29] Their build resembles small draft horses, emphasizing endurance and power over speed, with common coat colors including bay, chestnut, and black, often shown in traditional harness or riding attire.^[30] In equestrian showing, particularly in the United Kingdom, cobs are categorized by weight and size: lightweight cobs prioritize refinement and agility for activities like dressage and eventing; heavyweight cobs feature broader frames for greater pulling capacity; and maxi cobs exceed 15.2 hands while retaining the type's characteristic substance.^[28]^[29] Breeds such as the Welsh Section D (cob) and Traditional Gypsy Cob align closely with these standards, valued for hardiness in varied disciplines from showing to low-level competitions.^[31]^[32] Cobs demonstrate adaptability across uses, including driving, hacking, and family mounts, with low maintenance needs due to their robust health profiles when properly managed, though they require monitoring for weight-related issues like laminitis in sedentary lifestyles.^[30]^[33]

Crop and Harvest Elements

In maize (Zea mays) production, the cob constitutes the rigid, central axis of the ear, serving as the structural base for kernel attachment and development within the female inflorescence. Composed mainly of lignocellulosic material, including cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin, the cob forms during ear differentiation, typically 10-14 days after silking, and expands as kernels fill with starch and nutrients. The full ear encompasses the cob, adherent kernels, silks, and protective husks, distinguishing it from the cob alone, which is the denuded core post-kernel removal. Harvesting occurs when ears reach physiological maturity, signaled by a black abscission layer at the kernel-cob junction, halting assimilate flow and stabilizing yield; this typically aligns with 30-35% grain moisture, though cobs may remain rubbery if harvested prematurely due to incomplete starch deposition.^[34]^[35]^[12] Mechanical harvesting via combines snaps ears from stalks using snapping rolls, followed by threshing to detach kernels from cobs through impact and separation mechanisms, such as rotating cylinders or chains that convey cobs to residue spreaders. This process yields cobs as a low-value byproduct, often comprising 15-20% of total stover biomass by dry weight, with global production exceeding 200 million metric tons annually from maize grain harvest. In field corn systems, cobs are typically left in fields for soil incorporation or baled as residue, but targeted collection—enabled by modified harvesters—supports secondary markets; for instance, in the U.S. Corn Belt, cob recovery rates can reach 1-2 tons per acre at yields of 180 bushels, influenced by hybrid traits and planting density. Abnormalities like double cobs, occurring in 1-5% of plants under stress or varietal predisposition, reduce kernel uniformity and harvest efficiency by competing for resources.^[36]^[37]^[38] Post-harvest, cobs undergo preprocessing like grinding for applications in bioenergy, where enzymatic hydrolysis converts their cellulose into fermentable sugars for ethanol, yielding up to 200-300 liters per ton under optimized conditions. Alternative uses include livestock bedding due to absorbency or as a carbon source in mushroom cultivation, though economic viability hinges on collection costs averaging $20-40 per ton and local demand. In sweet corn harvest for fresh market, ears are hand-picked intact—retaining husks and cobs—to preserve tenderness, with timing based on kernel milk stage (18-21 days post-silking) rather than dry maturity.^[12]^[37]^[12]

Construction and Material Uses

Building Techniques

Cob building involves mixing subsoil rich in clay with water, fibrous materials such as straw, and sometimes sand or aggregate to create a malleable mixture that can be hand-formed into monolithic walls without molds or forms.^[39]^[2] The process begins with site preparation, including a stable foundation—typically a rubble trench or concrete stem wall—to elevate the structure above ground moisture and prevent erosion.^[40] Soil testing determines the optimal clay-to-sand ratio, often around 1:3 to 1:5, to achieve adequate compressive strength, which ranges from 0.1 MPa to 2.02 MPa depending on mix composition and compaction.^[41] The mixing technique traditionally uses a large tarp: subsoil and sand are piled, water is added to form a well, and the mixture is stomped by foot or machinery until uniform, followed by incorporation of chopped straw (10-20% by volume) for tensile reinforcement.^[42]^[43] This yields a dough-like consistency tested by forming a ball that holds shape without cracking. Walls are built in layers, with "cob loaves"—hand-formed blobs 30-50 cm in diameter—stacked and thumb-pinned into the previous layer at a slight batter (inward slope of 5-10 degrees) for stability, allowing drying shrinkage without structural failure.^[2]^[44] For enhanced load-bearing capacity, builders embed stones, recycled concrete chunks, or bottles within the cob mass during construction, particularly in lower courses, to distribute weight and improve shear resistance.^[40] Openings for doors and windows require arched or lintel supports, often using stone or timber, with walls typically 30-60 cm thick to provide thermal mass and seismic flexibility.^[45] Roofing employs heavy timber frames with steep pitches (30-45 degrees) covered in thatch, shingles, or metal to shed water, as cob's porosity demands protection from prolonged exposure to prevent erosion, though stabilized variants with lime additives exhibit greater rain resistance in accelerated tests simulating over 6500 mm of rainfall.^[46] Finishing involves lime or earthen plasters applied in multiple coats for weatherproofing and aesthetics.^[47] Modern refinements, such as "Oregon Cob" developed in the 1980s, emphasize pre-testing mixes for durability and integrating hybrid elements like light straw-clay infill for insulation, achieving code-compliant minimum compressive strengths of 60 psi (0.41 MPa) in regions permitting earthen construction.^[45] These techniques prioritize manual labor for sculptural freedom but require incremental building in dry climates or under cover to ensure 28-day curing per layer, with full structures drying over 6-12 months.^[48]

Everyday Objects

Cob, the natural building material composed of subsoil, sand, straw, and water, extends beyond large-scale architecture to the fabrication of functional household and garden items due to its moldable, sculptable properties when wet and its hardening durability upon drying. These objects leverage cob's thermal mass for heat retention and its biocompatibility for indoor or outdoor use, though they require protective finishes like lime plaster to resist weathering.^[49] Earth ovens, a prominent example, consist of a domed chamber built from layered cob mixtures applied over a sand form, achieving firing temperatures up to 900°F (482°C) for baking bread, pizzas, or meats.^[50] The material's insulation properties, derived from the straw fibers and clay matrix, maintain consistent internal heat, with construction typically involving a base of stones for stability and a chimney flue integrated into the design; historical precedents date to ancient Mesoamerican and European traditions, with modern builds documented in sustainable homesteading practices since the 1990s revival.^[42] Garden benches and seating elements represent another application, where cob is hand-formed into curved, ergonomic shapes atop stone or rubble foundations, often reinforced with longer straw fibers for tensile strength.^[51] These items, weighing 200-500 pounds (90-227 kg) depending on size, provide weather-resistant outdoor furniture with embedded shelves or armrests, as seen in permaculture designs; durability tests show cob benches enduring 10-20 years with minimal maintenance in temperate climates.^[52] Smaller decorative or utilitarian objects, such as candle holders or planters, are crafted by coiling or pinching cob into hollow forms, fired at low temperatures or air-dried to preserve organic fibers.^[53] A typical cob candle holder uses a 10-25% clay-to-sand ratio with straw binders, molded around a core mold and smoothed for aesthetics, offering eco-friendly alternatives to ceramic wares; these items, popularized in contemporary natural building workshops, emphasize cob's accessibility with locally sourced materials costing under $0.50 per pound.^[39]

Geographical and Toponymic Uses

Landforms and Features

Cobbles, often referred to as cobs in historical or regional geological contexts, are rounded rock fragments classified by particle size in sedimentary geology. On the Udden-Wentworth grain-size scale, widely adopted in sedimentology, cobbles measure between 64 and 256 millimeters in diameter, distinguishing them from smaller pebbles (under 64 mm) and larger boulders (over 256 mm).^[54]^[55] This size range arises from mechanical weathering and abrasion processes, such as fluvial transport or coastal wave action, which round angular rock debris into smooth, ovoid shapes.^[56] These clasts form integral components of various sedimentary landforms, particularly in high-energy environments where finer particles are winnowed away. Cobble-dominated deposits characterize features like riverine gravel bars and terraces, where braided streams deposit sorted layers of sand, gravel, and cobbles during flood events.^[57] Coastal cobble beaches, prevalent in areas with strong wave regimes such as parts of the Pacific Northwest or the English Channel, consist of loosely packed, imbricated cobbles that shift with tidal and storm surges, creating dynamic berm and ridge structures.^[58] In glacial settings, cobbles appear in till plains and outwash fans, embedded in unsorted matrices from meltwater sorting.^[59] Etymologically, the term "cob" traces to Old English and Middle Low German roots denoting a rounded lump or head-like prominence, reflecting the clast's morphology and influencing its application beyond geology to describe analogous natural or constructed forms.^[60] In rare dialectal or toponymic uses, "cob" has denoted small rounded hills or mounds, as seen in archaeological sites like Gallowsclough Cob, a Bronze Age barrow in England reduced to a low earthen mound.^[61] Such features underscore the term's historical association with convex, pebble-like topography, though contemporary usage prioritizes the sedimentary particle definition in scientific literature.

Settlements and Locations

Cos Cob is a neighborhood and census-designated place in the town of Greenwich, Connecticut, United States, situated along the Mianus River estuary on [Long Island Sound](/page/Long Island Sound). The name derives from "Coe's Cob," referencing a small embankment or protective structure built by early settler Robert Coe, who established a plantation nearby in 1641.^[62] Alternatively, local accounts attribute it to Joe Coe constructing a seawall to safeguard waterfront property, with "cob" denoting the inlet or barrier.^[63] This etymology reflects 17th-century colonial adaptations of English terms for coastal features.^[64] Cobleskill is a town in Schoharie County, New York, United States, organized on March 17, 1797, as one of the original six towns forming the county. Its name originates from Cobleskill Creek, named for Palatine German settler Jacobus Kobel (anglicized as "Cobus"), with the Dutch suffix "kill" meaning stream, yielding "Kobel's creek" or "Cobus kill."^[65] Historical records confirm the stream's designation from Kobel's early 18th-century settlement and milling activities.^[66] The town encompasses rural and agricultural lands, with the village of Cobleskill serving as its central hub.^[65]

Human Names and Identities

Surnames

The surname Cob originated in medieval England as a nickname derived from the personal name Jacob, using the diminutive forms "Cob" or "Cop," akin to variants like Coppin.^[67] This etymology reflects patronymic naming conventions where surnames evolved from an ancestor's given name, documented in historical records as "the son of Jacob."^[67] Alternative linguistic roots trace to Middle English "Cobbe" or Old Norse "Kobbi," potentially connoting a physical trait like a "lump" or "swan," though the Jacob connection predominates in surname studies.^[68] Globally, Cob ranks as the 61,766th most prevalent surname, borne by roughly 1 in 895,496 people, equating to approximately 8,900 individuals based on population data circa 2020.^[67] It is most concentrated in the Americas (82% of bearers), with 73% in North America—predominantly the United States—and smaller incidences in Europe, particularly England and Wales.^[67] The surname's rarity compared to similar forms like Cobb suggests limited diffusion, possibly due to phonetic variations or regional assimilation over centuries.^[67] In the United States, 1940 census records show occupational patterns among Cob families: 38% of men worked as farmers, reflecting rural agrarian ties, while 20% of women were waitresses, indicative of service roles in mid-20th-century society.^[69] Earlier European data, such as from the United Kingdom, associate the name with trades like carpentry (29% of men) and nursing (33% of women), underscoring practical, working-class heritage.^[70] Prominent individuals bearing the exact surname Cob are scarce in verifiable historical or contemporary records, with most associations redirecting to the more common Cobb variant.^[67]

Given Names and Nicknames

Cob serves as a masculine given name of English origin, functioning primarily as a diminutive or nickname for the biblical name Jacob, which derives from the Hebrew Yaʿakov meaning "supplanter" or "he who holds the heel," referencing the biblical story of Jacob grasping his twin brother Esau's heel at birth.^[71]^[72]^[73] This usage reflects medieval English naming practices where short forms like Cob emerged from Jacob via phonetic simplification, akin to other variants such as Jake or Jack.^[67] Historical records indicate Cob appeared as a personal name in England by the Middle Ages, often interchangeably with pet forms like Cobbe or Cop.^[74] As a standalone given name, Cob carries Anglo-Saxon connotations of strength and brevity, occasionally linked etymologically to Old English terms denoting a "lump" or "short, stout figure," though this interpretation is secondary to its Jacob-derived roots and lacks widespread attestation in modern usage.^[71] It remains uncommon in contemporary naming, with U.S. Social Security Administration data showing negligible registrations since 1880, peaking sporadically in rural English contexts before the 20th century.^[75] Nickname applications extend rarely to surnames like Coburn or occupational terms such as cobbler, but these are not primary associations for the given name form.^[74]^[75]

Notable Individuals

Angelica Cob-Baehler (February 3, 1971 – November 21, 2018) was an American music executive and television producer, recognized for her roles at major labels including Interscope Records and Geffen Records, where she contributed to marketing and promotions for artists such as Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Gwen Stefani.^[76]^[77] She later co-founded the artist management firm The Cobra Agency and produced shows like The Glee Project.^[78] Cob-Baehler died from cancer at age 47, leaving a legacy in the music industry despite the relative rarity of the Cob surname.^[67] The surname Cob, derived from a nickname for Jacob meaning "lump" or denoting a sturdy person in Old English and Old Norse contexts, has few other prominent bearers in public records.^[67]

Acronyms and Abbreviations

Business and Professional Contexts

In business and professional communication, COB most commonly stands for "close of business," referring to the end of the standard workday when operations cease for administrative and transactional purposes.^[79] This abbreviation is widely used in emails, project management, and operational directives to denote deadlines for completing tasks, submitting reports, or finalizing approvals, ensuring alignment on time-sensitive deliverables.^[80] Typically, COB equates to 5:00 PM local time or Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the United States, though it may vary by organization or industry norms, such as extending to 6:00 PM in some high-intensity sectors.^[81]^[82] COB differs from related terms like EOD (end of day), which often implies a later cutoff, potentially including after-hours processing, whereas COB strictly adheres to formal business hours to facilitate same-day reconciliation and reporting.^[83] In financial and trading environments, COB marks the closure of market sessions, triggering batch processes for settlements, valuations, and data cutoffs, as seen in protocols for stock exchanges and investment firms.^[79] Its usage promotes clarity in cross-time-zone collaborations, reducing ambiguity in global teams where "business day" endpoints can differ.^[84] Less frequently in professional contexts, COB may denote "cash over bank" in basic accounting ledgers, indicating a surplus of recorded cash relative to bank statements, though this application has diminished with automated reconciliation tools.^[85] Overall, the "close of business" expansion dominates due to its utility in streamlining deadlines amid standardized 9-to-5 work structures prevalent in corporate settings.^[86]

Military and Technical Acronyms

In military contexts, COB most frequently denotes "Close of Business," signifying the conclusion of the official workday, typically around 1600 or 1700 hours depending on unit policy, after which non-essential operations cease.^[87]^[88] This term is standardized across U.S. Armed Forces branches, including the Army and Air Force, to delineate administrative deadlines for tasks like reporting or inventory.^[89] COB also stands for "Chief of the Boat" in the U.S. Navy, designating the senior enlisted sailor aboard a submarine who advises the commanding officer on crew matters, morale, and operations, a role established to bridge officer-enlisted dynamics in confined submarine environments.^[88] Additionally, COB refers to "Contingency Operating Base," a forward-deployed facility used during operations such as those in Iraq from 2009 onward, housing coalition forces for sustained tactical presence.^[89] Less commonly, it means "Collocated Operating Base," describing shared military installations among allied units to optimize logistics and command coordination.^[90] In technical fields, particularly electronics and semiconductor manufacturing, COB stands for "Chip on Board," a packaging method where bare integrated circuit dies are directly bonded to a printed circuit board substrate using wire bonding or solder bumps, enabling compact designs, improved thermal management, and cost efficiency over traditional packaged chips.^[91] This technology, prevalent in LED lighting and display modules since the early 2000s, allows multiple chips to be mounted as a single unit, reducing assembly steps and enhancing reliability in high-density applications like automotive headlights or consumer electronics.^[91]

Other Expansions

In religious contexts, COB refers to the Church of the Brethren, an Anabaptist Christian denomination originating in Schwarzenau, Germany, in 1708, with approximately 2.3 million members worldwide as of 2020, emphasizing pacifism, simple living, and adult baptism by trine immersion. The group, also known as the German Baptist Brethren, established its first American congregation in 1723 in Germantown, Pennsylvania, and has historically opposed slavery and war, influencing movements like the peace churches. In music, COB denotes Children of Bodom, a Finnish melodic death metal band formed in 1993 in Espoo, Finland, known for blending neoclassical influences with extreme metal, releasing ten studio albums before disbanding in 2019 following the death of frontman Alexi Laiho. The band's name derives from the 1960 Lake Bodom murders, and their debut album, Something Wild (1997), sold over 30,000 copies in Finland alone. In sports governance, COB stands for Comitê Olímpico Brasileiro, Brazil's National Olympic Committee founded in 1914 and recognized by the International Olympic Committee in 1936, responsible for coordinating Brazil's participation in the Olympics, Paralympics, and Pan American Games, with notable successes including 30 medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics. The organization oversees athlete development and anti-doping efforts, managing a budget exceeding 100 million Brazilian reais annually as of 2023. Other niche uses include Côte d'Opale Basket, a French professional basketball club based in Saint-Omer competing in the Nationale Masculine league since 1987, and Chicken on Bread, a casual food preparation method involving breaded chicken fillets. These expansions appear primarily in localized or informal contexts without widespread institutional adoption.

Codes and Symbolic Representations

Transportation Codes

In aviation, COB designates the IATA code for Coolibah Airport, a small aerodrome situated near Coolibah Station in Australia's Northern Territory, primarily serving regional flights and general aviation operations.^[92]^[93] In maritime transport, COB stands for "Clean on Board," a standard notation appended to bills of lading or mate's receipts to confirm that cargo has been inspected and loaded onto the vessel without apparent damage, contamination, or discrepancies at the port of shipment.^[94]^[95] This term facilitates dispute resolution in international trade by establishing a baseline condition of goods prior to transit risks.^[96] Additionally, COB can abbreviate "Cargo Onboard" in logistics documentation, indicating goods that have been physically loaded and secured for shipment, though this usage is less standardized than in shipping contexts.^[97] In intermodal freight, COB refers to Container-on-Barge operations, a waterway-based method where standard shipping containers are transported via barges as an alternative to road or rail, reducing emissions and congestion on inland routes.^[98]

Linguistic and ISO Codes

The three-letter code cob serves as the ISO 639-3 identifier for Chicomuceltepec Chontal, an indigenous language belonging to the Tequistlatecan family. This code facilitates standardized representation in linguistic databases, metadata systems, and digital resources for documentation and preservation efforts.^[99] Chicomuceltepec Chontal was historically spoken by small communities in the Sierra de Santa María Ecatepec area of Oaxaca state, Mexico, with documentation indicating it was nearly extinct by the late 20th century and no fluent speakers remaining as of 2023 assessments. The language features tonal elements and complex morphology typical of Tequistlatecan languages, though limited corpus materials exist due to its moribund status prior to comprehensive recording. No ISO 639-1 (alpha-2) or ISO 639-2 equivalent exists, as ISO 639-3 uniquely covers individual languages like this one outside major bibliographic standards.^[100]

Nautical and Emergency Terms

In nautical usage, particularly within the United States Navy submarine force, "COB" denotes the Chief of the Boat, the senior enlisted sailor serving as the primary advisor to the commanding officer and executive officer on enlisted personnel matters, morale, discipline, and training. This position, unique to submarines, facilitates communication between leadership and the crew, ensuring operational efficiency and welfare during extended deployments. The COB typically holds the rank of master chief petty officer and undergoes specialized training, such as the Command Master Chief/Chief of the Boat course offered by the Navy.^[101] In maritime shipping and documentation, "COB" signifies "Clean on Board," a notation on a bill of lading confirming that cargo was received and loaded onto the vessel in apparent good order and condition, free from visible damage, contamination, or discrepancies at the time of shipment. This certification protects sellers and buyers by establishing a baseline for cargo integrity, potentially influencing insurance claims and liability under international conventions like the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act. Issuing a "Clean on Board" bill of lading requires the carrier's agent to inspect goods prior to loading, distinguishing it from "fouled" or claused bills that note defects.-(COB).html)^[102] In emergency management and disaster response contexts, "COB" stands for Continuity of Business, referring to strategic plans designed to sustain critical operations and services during disruptions such as natural disasters, cyberattacks, or pandemics. These plans, often integrated into broader emergency operations frameworks, prioritize risk assessment, resource allocation, and recovery protocols to minimize downtime for essential functions in sectors like healthcare, utilities, and government. For instance, Continuity of Business planning in emergency medical services regions emphasizes predefined activation triggers, alternate site operations, and staff notifications to maintain service delivery.^[103].html)

References

[1]
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cob
[2]
Cob: Getting to know one of construction's most ancient and ...
Cob is a mixture of clay subsoil, sand, straw, and water, used to make durable walls and columns. It is one of history's oldest building materials.
[3]
Brief history of cob and earthen construction - Permasystems
Oct 12, 2015 · To the best of our current knowledge, cob and adobe type materials have been used for well over 10,000 years. Throughout time the art of natural ...
[4]
History of Cob - Natural Building Colloquium
Cob, a mud building technique, may have evolved from wattle-and-daub. It was common in Britain by the 15th century, and declined before a revival in the 90s.
[5]
The History of Cob and Lime - Martin Perry Associates
Nov 16, 2022 · In England, the term cob dates back to around 1600, and even then, the term was to describe an ancient building material. Classic cob buildings ...
[6]
The History Of Cob Houses: Ancient Times to the Present Day
Jun 29, 2023 · It's believed that cob construction in England emerged from the wattle-and-daub technique. Wattle-and-daub was a building method that involved ...
[7]
Everything you need to know about building with cob - Dezeen
Aug 11, 2025 · Cob is an ancient building material that's made by combining clay-rich subsoil with straw and water. cob wall Cob is an earth based construction ...<|separator|>
[8]
Section 1: Introduction to Cob | Oregon Cob & Beyond - UO Blogs
Cob as a natural building material, is grounded in history, though no one country can lay claim to discovering cob, as similar earthen structures can be ...
[9]
Swan Identification & Behavior | Trumpeter Swan Society
The male swan is called the Cob. He typically weighs more and looks slightly larger than the female (the Pen), although it is often difficult to tell the male ...
[10]
The Difference - Cob and Pen - Simply Superb Swans
May 31, 2018 · The large black fleshy lump at the base of the bill is much larger and more pronounced on Duke, this can be called the berry.
[11]
The Mute Swan (Cygnus Olor)
The mute swan is the largest and heaviest water bird in the British Isles. The male is known as the cob (right) and the female as the pen (left).
[12]
Corn Cob - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Corn cob is the central core of the maize ear, a major agricultural waste, and the hard cylindrical core that bears the kernels of corn.
[13]
Anatomy and Reproduction of Corn - Plant and Soil Sciences eLibrary
The cob is a cylindrical structure upon which kernel development occurs. The kernels are arranged on the cob in pairs of rows. From each egg, a hair-like ...
[14]
Silk Development and Emergence in Corn - Purdue Agronomy
Silk elongation begins first from the basal ovules of the cob, then proceeds sequentially toward the tip of the ear.
[15]
Tassel-Ears in Corn - Purdue Agronomy
Tassel ears are when female flower parts survive on the tassel, forming kernels, usually on tillers, not the main stalk. The grain is often not good quality.<|separator|>
[16]
[PDF] Anatomy Of A Corn Plant
The ear is the female reproductive part of the corn plant, developing along the mid-stem nodes. Each ear is composed of a cob, which supports rows of kernels.
[17]
CORN COB definition in American English - Collins Dictionary
Corn cobs are the long rounded parts of the corn plant on which small yellow seeds grow. Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
[18]
What Is A Cobnut
A cobnut is what we call a cultivated hazelnut. There are many varieties of cultivated hazelnut, just as there are many kinds of apple.
[19]
Cobnuts and filberts / RHS Gardening
The difference between cobnuts and filberts The cobnut has a short husk (papery casing to the nut) from which the nut protrudes, whereas the husk of the ...
[20]
What Are Cobnuts? - The Spruce Eats
Jun 7, 2023 · Cobnuts are a fresh hazelnut grown in Britain. They are harvested while the outer husk is still green and the nut is sweet and juicy, and it's sold between mid ...What Are Cobnuts? · Uses · Cooking
[21]
A Guide to Growing Cobnuts and Filberts - RV Roger Ltd
Kentish Cob – one of the best for the home garden. · Gunslebert – quite a new variety, which produces larger nuts than some of the traditional sorts. · Butler ...
[22]
The Cobnut | Technical Information - Kentish Cobnuts Association
A Cobnut is a cultivated variety of hazelnut, just as a Cox is a cultivated variety of apple.
[23]
Know your cobnuts - Roughway Farm
Sep 26, 2017 · We look at Kent Cobnuts, Gunslebert Cobnuts and Ennis cobnuts to outline some of the differences between these tasty and varied cobnut varieties.
[24]
Hazelnuts, Cobnuts & Filberts - Chris Bowers & Sons
Varieties · Cosford Cobnut · Kentish Cob · Nottingham Cob [Pearsons Prolific] · Spanish White · Lang Tidling Zeller · Ennis · Butler · Gunslebert.
[25]
Cob Nuts | WILD OAKS
Cosford. Reliable variety and good for polinating other Cob Nuts. ; EMOA1 Cob Nut. Good yields of large tasty nuts ; Halls Giant. Age:3 Vigorous productive ...
[26]
What is a cob? - Good Horse
May 21, 2017 · A cob is simply a type of horse that has a sturdy build, strong bones, large joints and generally stout appearance.
[27]
An Introduction to Cob Horses - The Spruce Pets
Dec 28, 2021 · With stout legs and sturdy builds, cob horses resemble large ponies and often include breeds like the Welsh Cob, draft crosses, and some types ...
[28]
Cobs: everything you need to know about this versatile type
Nov 10, 2018 · Cobs are one of the most popular riding horses in the UK. They are hardy, versatile, able to turn their hoof to most things from low level dressage and ...
[29]
What is a cob horse? - Horse Blog - The Saddle Bank
Jan 20, 2022 · While there is no strict definition for a cob type horse, any stout, strong, small horse over the height of a pony may be considered a cob.
[30]
https://madbarn.com/cob-horse-breeds-guide/
[31]
What is a cob horse? - SEIB Insurance Brokers
May 7, 2025 · The main defined breeds of cob are the Welsh Section C and D cob and the Traditional Gypsy Cob. Both have a breed standard to which horses and ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[32]
10 fascinating facts about cobs - Horse and Rider Magazine
Generally, a cob is a horse or pony between 14–15hh in height, with a stocky body, sturdy legs and joints, a well-muscled neck and a degree of feather on the ...
[33]
Cob Horse - ehorses Magazine
Jan 22, 2025 · Cobs are often described as “honest” and “genuine.” A good Cob has a sensible character and enjoys getting involved in a range of activities.History And Origins · Are Cobs Good First Horses? · Cob Horse -- Conformation
[34]
Corn physiological maturity and potential harvest dates - Field Crops
Sep 29, 2011 · This layer forms when the starch layer has advanced completely down to the cob. The black layer cuts off water and dry matter movement into the ...
[35]
Harvesting Corn When the Cobs Are Still Rubbery
Sep 18, 2025 · A rubbery cob usually means kernels are still transferring starch, sugars, and nutrients from the plant. The kernel may dent, but the starch ...
[36]
Corn harvest: What about the parts of the plant left behind?
Dec 16, 2024 · A combine will separate the seeds from a plant and spread the corn leaves, stalks, cobs, and other plant parts on the field. We call those plant parts “corn ...
[37]
The Economics of Harvesting Corn Cobs for Energy
Dec 19, 2010 · Because total corn plus cob acres increased, cobs harvested during the corn har-vest also increased. The $100 per ton price increased corn acres ...
[38]
Craving Corn and the Cob - Biomass Magazine
Corn grain is typically harvested using a combine that strips the ears from the stalks and then separates the grain from the ears, depositing cobs and the rest ...
[39]
The Best Introduction to Cob Houses and Cob Building
Cob is a building material made out of clay-rich soil, aggregate, fiber, and water that is pliable and can be constructed into walls for buildings.
[40]
Structural Considerations for Cob Buildings
One is to incorporate a fair amount of stones, urbanite chunks, bottles, or other solid material into the wall as you go. You might also consider mixing your ...
[41]
Investigation of Cob construction: Review of mix designs, structural ...
The investigation of cob's structural performance highlights that the compressive strength of cob has ranged between 0.1 MPa and 2.02 MPa, in contrast, the ...Missing: scientific durability
[42]
How to Build a Cob House - Grit
Jul 8, 2022 · Gather your materials. · Place the sand and clay at one edge of the tarp. · Make a well in the sand-clay mixture, and pour in some water. · Jump in ...Missing: methods | Show results with:methods
[43]
Mud Building Techniques Overview - THE MUD HOME
Jul 29, 2018 · Cob houses are constructed layer by layer. Basically you are mixing up clay, straw and sand, and throwing large patties of it to create a wall.
[44]
https://www.newsociety.com/wp-content/uploads/woocommerce_uploads/toc-excerpt/Essential-Cob-Construction_excerpt.pdf
[45]
Cob - Natural Building Alliance
Nov 2, 2022 · The current code for cob construction does dictate that all cob walls shall have a minimum compressive strength of 60 psi and braced wall panels ...Missing: scientific | Show results with:scientific
[46]
Durability of Japanese-earth cob walls subjected to accelerated rain ...
May 14, 2024 · This study examines unstabilized earth durability through 90-min accelerated rain simulation tests, totaling over 6500 mm of “rain” exposure on each of twelve ...
[47]
Dezeen's guide to traditional earthen building materials
Jul 24, 2025 · Cob is made from a combination of clay-rich earth, water and a fibrous material such as straw. Sometimes sand or aggregate is added to improve ...
[48]
Engineering Properties of Cob as a Building Material - Science Alert
Aug 6, 2021 · Cob homes are one of the most durable types of earth architecture. Because the mud mixture is porous, cob can withstand long periods of rain ...
[49]
Cob (material) - Wikipedia
Cob, cobb, or clom (in Wales) is a natural building material made from subsoil, water, fibrous organic material (typically straw), and sometimes lime.History and usage · Modern cob buildings · See also
[50]
Building With Cob From the Ground Up - Mother Earth News
Oct 1, 1998 · Cob is a mixture of clay, sand, and straw that is placed handful by handful on a building foundation. Thick walls sculpted from the material turn rock hard as ...
[51]
Building with Cob, Part I: Project ideas and Honoring Earth
Sep 1, 2019 · The possibilities of building with cob are endless! You can build earth ovens, chicken coops, candleholders, and even whole living structures.
[52]
What else can you do with cob? (natural building forum at permies)
Jun 20, 2018 · Cob can be used for fences, garden benches, plaster, mortar, smaller buildings, animal structures, and even as a water sealant.Missing: everyday | Show results with:everyday
[53]
Appropriate Uses for Cob - Green Home Building
A cob-like mixture works well as mortar for cordwood masonry. I would recommend a mixture of clay soil, sand, and either chopped straw or horse manure.<|separator|>
[54]
Sustainable Ritual Items: Earthen / Cob Candle Holders
Feb 19, 2013 · Cob is an ancient building material made of the substrate of soil–specifically, a mix of sand and clay. A good cob mix has about 10-25% clay ...Missing: everyday | Show results with:everyday
[55]
Sedimentary Rocks - Tulane University
Apr 28, 2018 · Cobble, 64 - 256 mm, Gravel. Pebble, 2 - 64 mm ... Grain size and the interrelationship between grains gives the resulting sediment texture.
[56]
K-3, Unit Five, Activity 1: Rock Ranking - National Park Service
Nov 3, 2017 · Boulders - larger than 25 cm · Cobbles - 6 - 25cm · Pebbles - 1/2 - 6cm · Gravel - 1mm - 1/2cm · Sand - 0.1 - 1mm · Silt - 0.05 - .1mm · Clay - less ...
[57]
Occurrence & Mineralogy of Sedimentary Rocks
Apr 17, 2013 · Name of Particle. Size Range. f Scale ; Boulder, >256 mm, <-8 ; Cobble, 64 - 256 mm, -6 to -8 ; Pebble, 4 - 64 mm, -2 to -6 ; Granule, 2 - 4 mm, -1 ...<|separator|>
[58]
[PDF] LANDFORMS AND ASSOCIATED SURFICIAL MATERIALS OF ...
stratified deposits of sand, gravel, and cob- bles); fine textured alluvium ... This landform's characteristics have a strong hydrothermal influence.
[59]
[PDF] USBR Engineering Geology Field Manual Volume 1 Chapter 1
Cobbles and boulders—particles retained on a 3-inch (75-mm) U.S. Standard sieve. The following terminology distinguishes between cobbles and boulders: •
[60]
Glossary of terms used on surficial geology maps - Maine.gov
Oct 6, 2005 · Clast: pebble-, cobble-, or boulder-size fragment of rock or ... Particle size may range from clay through silt, sand, and gravel to ...
[61]
A Scale of Grade and Class Terms for Clastic Sediments - jstor
The term is a diminutive of the word cob, meaning a rounded hump or knob, and related to the German Kopf, for head. Pebble.-This term is a very ancient one ...
[62]
Gallowsclough Cob (Round Barrow(s)) - The Modern Antiquarian
Gallowsclough Cob is a bronze age barrow (or the low mound that remains of one) on top of Gallowsclough Hill. When it was excavated a cremation was found in ...
[63]
From Coe's Cob To Cos Cob - HamletHub
Nov 15, 2013 · The name "Cos Cob" is derived from the Coe Family. Way back in the day, in 1641, Robert Coe settled on a plantation in Stamford.Missing: origin | Show results with:origin
[64]
Cos Cob | Neighborhood Guide - Capeci and Schwabe
The area's name goes back to early settler Joe Coe, who built a seawall to protect his waterfront land. Locals began calling it “Coe's Cob,” which eventually ...Missing: origin | Show results with:origin
[65]
Why Cos Cob is One of Greenwich's Most Charming Neighborhoods
May 8, 2025 · Nestled in the heart of Greenwich, Connecticut, Cos Cob offers a unique blend of small-town charm and metropolitan accessibility that's hard to find elsewhere.
[66]
Town of Cobleskill - - The Old Stone Fort Museum
The creek was named for early settler Jacobus Kobel. His first name was pronounced “Yah' cobus” or Yah cob' us” depending upon which German dialect one was ...<|separator|>
[67]
History of Schoharie County by William E. Roscoe - Chapter XXIII
Thus we see the original name of the stream was Cobus kill while the town and village has borne the name of Cobels and Cobleskill. It was formerly thought that ...
[68]
Cob Surname Origin, Meaning & Last Name History - Forebears
This surname is derived from the name of an ancestor. 'the son of Jacob,' from nick. Cob or Cop; v. Coppin. Cobbus ...
[69]
https://www.ancestry.com/last-name-meaning/cob
[70]
Cob Surname Meaning & Cob Family History at Ancestry.com®
In 1940, Farmer and Waitress were the top reported jobs for men and women in the USA named Cob. 38% of Cob men worked as a Farmer and 20% of Cob women worked as ...
[71]
Cob - Surname Origins & Meanings - Last Names - MyHeritage
29% of men with the last name Cob worked as carpenters and 33% of women with the last name Cob worked as a nurse. Search historical records.
[72]
Cob - Baby Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity for a Boy
Cob is a short, strong masculine name with deep Anglo-Saxon roots. Originally a nickname derived from Jacob, it can also be a standalone name with multiple ...
[73]
What does Cob mean? - Think Baby Names
as a boys' name is a Hebrew name, and the name Cob means "he who supplants". Cob is an alternate form of Jacob (Hebrew).
[74]
Meaning of the name Cob
Oct 16, 2025 · The name Cob is primarily used as a short form of Jacob, which has Hebrew origins. Jacob means 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.Missing: given | Show results with:given
[75]
Cob : Meaning and Origin of First Name - Ancestry
The name Cob is derived from the English language, serving as a short form of the terms cobble or cobbler. These terms are traditionally associated with ...
[76]
Cob Name Meaning, Origin & more | FirstCry Baby Names Finder
The name Cob is typically used as a short form or nickname for names such as Jacob, Jacobi, or Coburn. As a standalone name, Cob does not have a specific ...<|separator|>
[77]
Angelica Cob-Baehler, Veteran Music Executive Who Helped ...
Nov 21, 2018 · Veteran music executive and television producer Angelica Cob-Baehler died Wednesday (Nov. 21) after a year-long battle with cancer, Billboard has confirmed.
[78]
Angelica Cob-Baehler, Veteran Music Executive, Dies at 47
Nov 21, 2018 · Veteran music executive and TV producer Angelica Cob-Baehler died Wednesday after a yearlong battle with cancer, Billboard has confirmed. She ...
[79]
Celebrating The Life Of Angelica Cob-Baehler, Visionary Music ...
On Nov. 21, record label executive Angelica Cob-Baehler passed away at age 47 after a long battle with cancer. She spent her cut-too-short albeit ...
[80]
COB vs. EOD: What Each Means & How to Use Them – NASP
COB stands for “close of business” and, as you might have guessed, simply refers to the time at which a company closes at the end of a business day.
[81]
COB Meaning — And How to Use It for Clear Communication
Dec 21, 2022 · COB stands for “close of business.” This acronym is often used in emails to indicate either a deadline or to let the recipient know when to expect a report or ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
[82]
COB vs EOD Explained: How To Use These Business Acronyms
COB refers to the end of the business day according to the Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the United States, usually 5 pm EST.
[83]
What Is Close of Business (COB)? - Indeed
Oct 31, 2024 · COB is an acronym for close of business, which is the end of the business day. Most companies in the United States use traditional business hours and close ...Missing: notable | Show results with:notable
[84]
COB vs. EOD: When To Use Close of Business and End of Day
Aug 26, 2025 · COB is an acronym for “close of business,” referring to the end of the official working hours of a standard business day, typically 5 p.m. ...
[85]
Learn What COB Means in Business Emails to Avoid Awkward ...
Oct 6, 2025 · "COB" is an acronym for Close of Business, which means the end of the business day, or in other words, the working hours for the day. COB refers ...
[86]
COB - Business & Finance - Acronym Finder
What does COB stand for? Your abbreviation search returned 102 meanings showing only Business & Finance definitions (Show all)
[87]
COB vs EOD: Key Differences and When to Use Them - Atlasmic
May 10, 2022 · COB stands for the close of business, while EOD stands for the end of day. In this article, we will explain their meaning and when to use which.
[88]
Military Terms and Acronyms - F.E. Warren Air Force Base
Civilian Refers to civilian employees who work for the Department of Defense. COB Close of Business. Code of Conduct Rules by which military members must live.
[89]
COB - Military and Government - Acronym Finder
Center of Battery (US DoD) showing only Military and Government definitions (show all 102 definitions) Note: We have 133 other definitions for COB in our ...
[90]
COB Acronym Definition - Military Personnel Terms - MilitaryDictionary
1. collocated operating base 2. contingency operating base See Also: In the United States, military vocabulary is standardized by the Department of Defence.
[91]
COB UN Abbreviation Meaning - All Acronyms
COB in UN commonly refers to Collocated Operating Base, which is a military term used to describe a base that is shared by multiple units or forces to enhance ...
[92]
What is COB? - Computer Hope
Jul 4, 2025 · Short for Chip On Board, COB is a system where semiconductor dice are mounted directly on a PC board and connected with either bonded wires or ...Missing: electronics | Show results with:electronics
[93]
COB AIRPORT CODE | Coolibah Airport
COB is the airport code for Coolibah Airport. ✈ Click here to find more ... What is the IATA code for Coolibah Airport? Airport Code COB · Coolibah Airport ...
[94]
Coolibah Airport code (COB)
Coolibah Airport code (COB) ; City: Coolibah ; State: Northern Territory ; Country: Australia (AU) ; Continent: Oceanic ; Full Location: Coolibah, NT, Australia ...
[95]
COB - Clean on Board (shipping) | AcronymFinder
How is Clean on Board (shipping) abbreviated? COB stands for Clean on Board (shipping). COB is defined as Clean on Board (shipping) very frequently.
[96]
COB Transportation Abbreviation Meaning - Acronym24
May 2, 2025 · Discover the full forms, definitions, and usage contexts of COB in Transportation. Clean On Board. Most Common. For more information see 'Clean ...
[97]
Shipping Glossary - Baltic Exchange
BBB - before breaking bulk (meaning prior to the commencement of discharging from the ship) ... COB - close of business. COGSA - carriage of goods by sea ...
[98]
COB - Cargo Onboard | AcronymFinder
How is Cargo Onboard abbreviated? COB stands for Cargo Onboard. COB is defined as Cargo Onboard rarely.
[99]
Container-on-Barge (COB) Transportation: The Smart Alternative to ...
Jun 23, 2025 · COB is intermodal freight transport where shipping containers are stacked on barges and towed across waterways. It offers an alternative to trucks and rail.
[100]
cob | ISO 639-3
**Summary of ISO 639-3 Code: cob**
[101]
https://www.netc.navy.mil/Media-Center/Biographies/Leadership-Biography/Article/3091809/command-master-chief-dean-r-marvin-ii/
[102]
Command Master Chief Dean R. Marvin, II
Jul 13, 2022 · Marvin is a graduate of the U.S. Navy Senior Enlisted Academy Class 214, chief of the boat/command master chief (COB/CMC) school Class 203 and ...
[103]
Implications of issuing a Clean on Board bill of lading
Oct 19, 2020 · Usually when we request a Clean on Board, the shipping company signs the three original where it says “carrier”. The Deutsche Bank is sending ...
[104]
[PDF] Continuity of Business (CoB) Planning Checklist for EMS Regions ...
Mar 22, 2017 · Purpose and Scope of the Plan (Why and when you would activate it). This section explains why the department is developing a CoB plan and ...Missing: acronym | Show results with:acronym