Sextant

Definition of Sextant

Sex´tant

n.

1.

(Math.) The sixth part of a circle.

2.

An instrument for measuring angular distances between objects, - used esp. at sea, for ascertaining the latitude and longitude. It is constructed on the same optical principle as Hadley's quadrant, but usually of metal, with a nicer graduation, telescopic sight, and its arc the sixth, and sometimes the third, part of a circle. See Quadrant.

3.

(Astron.) The constellation Sextans.

Box sextant
a small sextant inclosed in a cylindrical case to make it more portable.

Related Words

astrolabe, astronavigation, azimuth circle, azimuth compass, bevel, bevel protractor, bevel square, celestial navigation, chronometer, clinometer, coastwise navigation, consolan, crescent, dead reckoning, fix, goniometer, graphometer, half circle, hemicycle, line of position, loran, pantometer, pilotage, plane sailing, point-to-point navigation, protractor, quadrant, radar, radio beacon, radio navigation, radiogoniometer, sector, semicircle, shoran, sofar, sonar, tables, theodolite, transit, transit circle, transit instrument, transit theodolite

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