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transit circle

American  

noun

Astronomy.
  1. meridian circle.


Etymology

Origin of transit circle

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

In 1681 he took up his duties as astronomer at Copenhagen, and built the first transit circle on a window-sill of his house.

From History of Astronomy by Forbes, George

J. M., superintendent of Naval Observatory, 99;   obtains new transit circle, 105.

From The Reminiscences of an Astronomer by Newcomb, Simon

At the end of 1850 the great transit circle of 8 in. aperture and 11 ft.

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg

The new transit circle arrived from Berlin in its boxes.

From The Reminiscences of an Astronomer by Newcomb, Simon

A heliometer is the most accurate astronomical instrument for relative measurements of position, as a transit circle is the most accurate for absolute determinations.

From Pioneers of Science by Lodge, Oliver, Sir

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