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

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

Etymology

Origin of heliometer

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

heliometer

Thus, for refined purposes, it cannot be assumed with any certainty that the instantaneous scale-value of the heliometer is known, or that it is a function of the temperature.

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

There are three methods in which this heliometer can be used.

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

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

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

They are obtained from late improved measures of the velocity of light, and from measures by the heliometer.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 648, June 2, 1888. by Various