astrolabe
1
9.9
- noun
- /ˈæstrəˌleɪb/
- Archaic
- It was thought to be an astrolabe, a navigational device to determine the attitude of the sun and stars.
- astrolabe for navigation
- astrolabe quadrants
- instruments like the astrolabe
Examples
-
By the turn of the first millennium A.D., Arab and Muslim scientists had perfected astronomical instruments like the astrolabe and established great observatories across the Middle East.
Academic text (2004) -
I can make out an astrolabe, a large stele, and a throne amid the ruins.
Academic text (2009) -
After you left, I kept looking at the astrolabe.
-
The Portuguese had the three-mast ship, the compass, the quadrant, the astrolabe, navigation charts, and a comparatively good knowledge of winds, currents, stars, and latitudes.
Academic text (1995) -
At right, Herman Contractus of Reichenau displays, in the very center of the image and prominently labeled in red ink, an astrolabe, whose invention was attributed to him.
Academic text (1999) -
The ninth-century Caliph al-Ma'mun initiated the construction and operation of astrolabes, quadrants, and armillaries at multiple observing sites to prepare astronomical tables.
Academic text (1995) -
When the Portuguese reached the Guinea Coast, they did so in three-masted oceangoing sailing ships using a compass, quadrant, astrolabe, navigation tables and charts, and knowledge of stars, winds, currents, and latitudes.
Academic text (1992) -
Photo (color): Several astrolabes used for navigation were recovered from the wreck, including this bronze one inscribed with the date 1605, the year the Mrtires set sail from Lisbon.
Academic text (2003) -
The ancient mariner used an astrolabe to navigate by the stars during his long journey at sea.
-
In her history class, she learned that the astrolabe was vital for sailors to determine their position based on celestial bodies.
Synonyms
1
9.9
An old instrument sailors used to measure angles to the sun or stars up to 45 degrees
1
9.5
An instrument that measures star positions and brightness
How Complex
- Specialized
1
5.7
- Archaic
1
9.9
- Specialized
5
9.5
10
4.9
Surface Forms
Etymology
Astrolabe comes from Greek parts astro- meaning 'star' and -labe meaning 'to take'. Think of it as a tool that 'takes' or measures the stars, which is why sailors and astronomers used it to find their position and study the sky.