DICT.TW Dictionary Taiwan
3.133.155.253
Search for:
▼[Show options]
[Pronunciation] [Help] [Database Info] [Server Info]

1 definition found

From: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

 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.
 ◄ ►