meridian circle

American  

noun

Astronomy.

1. a transit instrument provided with a graduated vertical scale, used to measure the declinations of heavenly bodies and to determine the time of meridian transits.

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meridian circle British  

noun

1. an instrument used in astronomy for determining the declination and right ascension of stars. It consists of a telescope attached to a graduated circle

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Etymology

Origin of meridian circle

First recorded in 1540–50

Example Sentences

With his meridian circle he determined the places of the chosen objects.

From The Story of the Heavens by Ball, Robert S. (Robert Stawell), Sir

Contrasted with the ideal instrument, the finest meridian circle is little more than a mass of imperfections.

From The Story of the Heavens by Ball, Robert S. (Robert Stawell), Sir

Its eastern arm is an apartment 22 by 24 feet, in which the meridian circle is to be placed.

From The Uses of Astronomy An Oration Delivered at Albany on the 28th of July, 1856 by Everett, Edward

The new one has mounted in it a meridian circle of the latest and best construction.

From The New England Magazine Volume 1, No. 6, June, 1886, Bay State Monthly Volume 4, No. 6, June, 1886 by Various