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

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

Etymology

Origin of heliometer

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

Example Sentences

They frequently recur; they need no elaborate preparation; a single astronomer armed with a heliometer can do all the requisite work.

From A Popular History of Astronomy During the Nineteenth Century Fourth Edition by Clerke, Agnes M. (Agnes Mary)

Gill introduced a powerful auxiliary to the accuracy of heliometer measures in the shape of a reversing prism placed in front of the eye-piece, between the latter and the observer’s eye.

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

This lens is divided and mounted like a heliometer object-glass; the separation of the lenses produces the required double image, and is measured by a screw.

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

The inventor claimed that it would supersede the heliometer, but it has never done anything for astronomy.

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