Skip to main content
triquetrum

triquetrum

9.9
An old instrument with three arms for measuring the height of stars
  • noun
  • /traɪˈkwɛtrəm/
  • Archaic
translation icon : triquetrum
  • With the help of a triquetrum, ancient scientists could measure the altitude of stars.

Examples

  • He explained how the triquetrum was an important tool before the invention of the telescope.

  • The museum displayed a rare triquetrum used by astronomers in the Middle Ages.

  • The triquetrum was essential for navigation at sea.

  • Can you explain how a triquetrum works?

  • The museum displayed a rare triquetrum used by astronomers in the Middle Ages.

  • With the help of a triquetrum, ancient scientists could measure the altitude of stars.

  • He explained how the triquetrum was an important tool before the invention of the telescope.

Synonyms

astrolabe
vstriquetrum
  • Archaic
2 9.9

An old instrument used to measure how high stars are and find direction at sea

is more limited to measuring angles and altitudes rather than navigation
armilla
vstriquetrum
  • Archaic
9.9

A metal set of hoops that shows where stars are in the sky

uses three arms to measure angles and altitude rather than hoop rings
octant
vstriquetrum
  • Archaic
9.9

An old instrument sailors used to measure angles to the sun or stars up to 45 degrees

is for measuring angles and altitudes without a narrow calibration limit
heliometer
vstriquetrum
  • Specialized
9.9

A tool that measures the angle between two distant stars

measures general angles and altitudes rather than only separations of stars

Compounds

os triquetrum
  • Specialized
9.9

A small bone in the wrist that connects to the pisiform, hamate, and lunate bones

How Advanced

theodolite
  • Specialized
1 9.9
sextant
  • Specialized
4 9.5
astrolabe
  • Archaic
2 9.9
quadrant
  • Specialized
10 7.5
triquetrum
  • Archaic
9.9

Surface Forms

triquetrum singular
triquetra plural

Etymology

Triquetrum comes from Latin parts like tri- 'three' and a word for 'corner', because the old astronomical instrument had three arms to measure angles, so its name describes its three-part design.