declinometer
- noun
- /ˌdɛklɪˈnɒmɪtər/
- Specialized
:
declinómetro
- The surveyor used a declinometer to determine the difference between magnetic and true north.
Examples
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To ensure precise navigation, the captain checked the readings from the declinometer frequently.
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During the expedition, the scientists relied on a declinometer to accurately chart their course.
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In 1849, he invented a "Declinometer," a fast and accurate apparatus that consisted of a small telescope mounted on a transit instrument that was used for measuring differences in the declination of heavenly bodies.
Academic text (2005)
Synonyms
A tool that measures how much a compass points away from true north
Compounds
- Specialized
A tool that measures how much a compass points away from true north
How Precise
Surface Forms
Morphology
declinometer = declination (opaque) = declino + meter
The second element '-meter' signals a measuring instrument, but the first element is a learned technical form referring to declination, so the full meaning is not readily recoverable for an average learner.
Etymology
The word declinometer is made of de- 'away', clin- 'bend', like in decline, and -meter 'measure', like in thermometer. So a declinometer is a tool that 'measures' how much magnetic north has 'turned away' from true north.