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

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

But the accuracy of the meridian circle renders these minute quantities evident, and gives to them their true significance.

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

The transit instrument, the meridian circle, the mural circle, the heliometer, and the sextant, belong to this class.

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

Inside the latter is a meridian circle, at right angles to which is a graduated colure; then the equator, apparently a double ring, and the ecliptic; also two diametric bars.

From The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1 by Yule, Henry

But with the telescope of the meridian circle the watch-dial would be visible even at the distance of a mile.

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