theodolite

American  

[thee-od-l-ahyt] / θiˈɒd lˌaɪt /

noun

1. Surveying. a precision instrument having a telescopic sight for establishing horizontal and sometimes vertical angles.

2. phototheodolite.

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theodolite British  

/ θɪˈɒdəˌlaɪt, θɪˌɒdəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

1. Also called (in the US and Canada): transit.  a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, consisting of a small tripod-mounted telescope that is free to move in both the horizontal and vertical planes

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theodolite Scientific  

/ thē-ŏd′l-īt′ /

1. An optical instrument used to measure angles in surveying, meteorology, and navigation. In meteorology, it is used to track the motion of a weather balloon by measuring its elevation and azimuth angle. The earliest theodolite consisted of a small mounted telescope that rotated horizontally and vertically; modern versions are sophisticated computerized devices, capable of tracking weather balloons, airplanes, and other moving objects, at distances of up to 20,000 m (65,600 ft).

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Other Word Forms

• theodolitic adjective

Etymology

Origin of theodolite

First recorded in 1565–75, theodolite is from the New Latin word theodolitus < ?

Example Sentences

The tool, a theodolite, is used to measure precise geographical location for missile launches as well as the angle and direction of the launchers, Dr Su said.

From BBC

Thus Galileo’s sector was a primitive theodolite, slide rule and protractor all in one.

From Literature

Until the advent of satellites, surveyors used a device called a theodolite, a precision optical instrument mounted on a tripod, for measuring angles between two designated points.

From National Geographic

At the same time, Nepalese crews took measurements with modern, laser-equipped versions of instruments called theodolites, first used to gauge the mountain’s height in 1856 by measuring angles using trigonometry.

From Washington Times

Where the Endurance went down is well known; the ship's captain Frank Worsley logged the position using a sextant and a theodolite.

From BBC