Sextant: meaning, definitions and examples

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sextant

 

[ หˆsษ›kstษ™nt ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

navigation tool

A sextant is an instrument used for navigation and for measuring the angle between an astronomical object and the horizon. It is primarily employed in maritime navigation to determine a ship's latitude and longitude by taking altitudinal readings of stars or the sun. The sextant operates on the principle of triangulation, allowing sailors to calculate their position at sea with remarkable accuracy. Historically, it has been an essential tool for explorers and navigators since the 18th century.

Synonyms

angle measuring device, marine sextant, navigational instrument

Examples of usage

  • The captain used the sextant to chart their course.
  • Navigators relied on the sextant for accuracy during their voyages.
  • An accurate reading with a sextant can be vital for safe passage.
  • He calibrated the sextant before taking his measurements.

Translations

Translations of the word "sextant" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น sextante

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅ‡เค•เฅเคธเคŸเฅ‡เค‚เคŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Sextant

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ sextant

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะตะบั‚ะฐะฝั‚

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ sextant

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ปใ‚ฏใ‚นใ‚ฟใƒณใƒˆ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท sextant

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ sextante

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sextant

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„น์Šคํ„ดํŠธ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุณูƒุณู†ุช

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sextant

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ sextant

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ…ญๅˆ†ไปช

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ sextant

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ sextant

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัะตะบัั‚ะฐะฝั‚

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒกแƒ”แƒฅแƒกแƒขแƒแƒœแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sextant

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ sextante

Etymology

The word 'sextant' originates from the Latin word 'sextans', which means 'a sixth part'. This reflects the device's primary function of measuring angles, specifically one-sixth of a circle, or 60 degrees. The development of the sextant as we know it began in the 18th century, building on earlier instruments such as the quadrant and the astrolabe. The sextant revolutionized navigation by allowing mariners to accurately determine their position at sea using celestial objects. Its design and mechanics were further refined over time, leading to improvements in precision and practicality. Historically, it played a pivotal role during the Age of Exploration, facilitating long-distance sea voyages and establishing trade routes across the globe.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,017, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.