Thesaurus: sextant

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Definitions

1. n. The sixth part of a circle.
2. n. An instrument for measuring angular distances between objects, -- used esp. at sea, for ascertaining the latitude and longitude. It is constructed on the same optical principle as Hadley's quadrant, but usually of metal, with a nicer graduation, telescopic sight, and its arc the sixth, and sometimes the third, part of a circle. See Quadrant.
3. n. The constellation Sextans.
4. n. a unit of angular distance equal to 60 degrees
5. n. a measuring instrument for measuring the angular distance between celestial objects; resembles an octant
6. 1. (Math.) The sixth part of a circle. 2. An instrument for measuring angular distances between objects, -- used esp. at sea, for ascertaining the latitude and longitude. It is constructed on the same optical principle as Hadley's quadrant, but usually of metal, with a nicer graduation, telescopic sight, and its arc the sixth, and sometimes the third, part of a circle. See Quadrant. 3. (Astron.) The constellation Sextans. Box sextant, a small sextant inclosed in a cylindrical case to make it more portable.
7. n:100 n. a unit of angular distance equal to 60 degrees n. a measuring instrument for measuring the angular distance between celestial objects; resembles an octant