transit circle

noun

, Astronomy.

1. meridian circle.

Word History and Origins

Origin of transit circle¹

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

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 Project Gutenberg

He constructed the first modern transit circle, and his instruments were used in many of the chief observatories of the world.

From Project Gutenberg

If he could not get such an instrument, he measured the positions of the stars with a transit circle.

From Project Gutenberg

The transit circle took the place both of the old transit instrument and of the mural circle.

From Project Gutenberg

For many years the instruments in regular use were two only, the transit circle and the altazimuth.

From Project Gutenberg