heliometer

American  

[hee-lee-om-i-ter] / ˌhi liˈɒm ɪ tər /

noun

1. a telescope with a divided, adjustable objective, formerly used to measure small angular distances, as those between celestial bodies.

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heliometer British  

/ ˌhiːlɪəʊˈmɛtrɪk, ˌhiːlɪˈɒmɪtə /

noun

1. a refracting telescope having a split objective lens that is used to determine very small angular distances between celestial bodies

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• heliometrically
  adverb
• heliometric
  adjective
• heliometry
  noun
• heliometrical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of heliometer

First recorded in 1745–55; helio- + -meter

Example Sentences

A heliometer is the most accurate astronomical instrument for relative measurements of position, as a transit circle is the most accurate for absolute determinations.

From Pioneers of Science by Lodge, Oliver, Sir

But, as it came from the hands of the makers in 1849, the Oxford heliometer was incomparably the most powerful and perfect instrument in the world for the highest order of micrometric research.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 "Hearing" to "Helmond" by Various

To sum up briefly the history of the development of the heliometer.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 "Hearing" to "Helmond" by Various

The inner corona had first been recorded photographically on a daguerreotype plate during the eclipse of 1851, but the lens belonged to a heliometer, and was of course uncorrected for the photographic rays.

From Astronomy: The Science of the Heavenly Bodies by Todd, David Peck

A series of observations can be easily and more accurately accomplished with the Cape heliometer in half an hour; with the Oxford heliometer it would occupy 2 hours, and with the 4 in.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 2 "Hearing" to "Helmond" by Various