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Definitions for: Sextant
[n] a measuring instrument for measuring the angular distance between celestial objects; resembles an octant
[n] a unit of angular distance equal to 60 degrees
Webster (1913) Definition: Sex"tant, n. [L. sextans, -antis, the sixth part of an
as, fr. sextus sixth, sex six. See Six.]
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.
See Also: angular unit, arcdegree, astrolabe, circumference, degree, limb, measuring device, measuring instrument, measuring system
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