astrolabe

American  

[as-truh-leyb] / ˈæs trəˌleɪb /

noun

1. an astronomical instrument for taking the altitude of the sun or stars and for the solution of other problems in astronomy and navigation: used by Greek astronomers from about 200 b.c. and by Arab astronomers from the Middle Ages until superseded by the sextant.

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astrolabe British  

/ ˈæstrəˌleɪb /

noun

1. an instrument used by early astronomers to measure the altitude of stars and planets and also as a navigational aid. It consists of a graduated circular disc with a movable sighting device Compare sextant

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astrolabe Scientific  

/ ăs′trə-lāb′ /

1. An ancient instrument used widely in medieval times by navigators and astronomers to determine latitude, longitude, and time of day. The device employed a disk with 360 degrees marked on its circumference. Users took readings from an indicator that pivoted around the center of the suspended device like the hand of a clock. The astrolabe was replaced by the sextant in the 18th century.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• astrolabical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of astrolabe

1325–75; Middle English, variant of astrolabie < Medieval Latin astrolabium < Late Greek astrolábion, Greek astrolábon (neuter of astrolábos, adj. used as noun), equivalent to ástro ( n ) star + lab- (variant stem of lambánein to take, seize) + -on neuter suffix

Explanation

An astrolabe is an ancient instrument used for estimating the altitude and predicting the position of celestial objects, such as the moon, other planets, and stars. The ancient Greeks created most of the fields of study that exist today, and along the way they created many clever devices. One was the astrolabe. An astrolabe had the same purpose as the sextant, which came later: to make astronomical measurements. An astrolabe was portable, and it consisted of a metal disc, a sighting arm, and several rotating parts used in estimating unfathomable distances. The astrolabe was an important invention in the history of astronomy and astrology.

Example Sentences

The archipelago boasts some of the world’s healthiest reefs, including Astrolabe, Petrie, Chesterfield and Bellona, which are considered exceptional examples of coral ecosystems.

From The Guardian • Aug. 14, 2018

In the other globe will be the forty-eight celestial signs arranged in such a manner, that it will be possible with it to perform all the operations of the Astrolabe to perfection.

From Lives of the most Eminent Painters Sculptors and Architects Vol 10 (of 10) Bronzino to Vasari, & General Index. by Vasari, Giorgio

In a circle the thing is most apparent: as in the Astrolabe the index may be put up and downe by all the points of the periphery.

From The Way To Geometry by Bedwell, William

Even more convincing evidence of Chaucer’s knowledge of the scientific literature of his time is given in his Treatise on the Astrolabe.

From Astronomical Lore in Chaucer by Grimm, Florence M.

From 1826 to 1829 he commanded the corvette Astrolabe, which was sent to obtain tidings of La P�rouse, and to make hydrographic observations.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 1: Deposition to Eberswalde by Various