Octant (Noun)
Meaning
A measuring instrument for measuring angles to a celestial body; similar to a sextant but with 45 degree calibration.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- Using the octant, the navigator was able to accurately measure the angle between the sun and the horizon to determine their latitude.
- The ship's pilot relied on the octant to chart their course under the stars on cloudy nights.
- After decades of neglect, the antique octant was restored to its former precision and put on display at the maritime museum.
- As the sun rose over the horizon, the sailor carefully adjusted the octant to take a reading and update their charts.
- The student struggled to get a clear sighting through the octant due to the glare from the sun.