prismatic compass
noun
a hand compass equipped with sights and prisms to permit aiming the instrument at a point and at the same time reading the compass direction of the point.
Origin of prismatic compass
1First recorded in 1850–55
Words Nearby prismatic compass
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use prismatic compass in a sentence
The trouble was overcome by building snow-mounds and taking back-angles to them with the prismatic compass.
The Home of the Blizzard | Douglas MawsonWould you mind bringing me out a prismatic compass, and a pound of Raven Mixture.
The Riddle of the Sands | Erskine ChildersRound his person are slung field glasses, a prismatic compass, an empty haversack, and a gas helmet.
Servants of the Guns | Jeffery E. JefferyHe took his bearings with the prismatic compass, and he reckoned his distance by the mean values obtained from three men pacing.
The Gates of India | Thomas HoldichLeather cases and straps for theodolite, circle, and prismatic compass.
Successful Exploration Through the Interior of Australia | William John Wills
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