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1. (n.) sextant
an astronomical instrument used to determine latitude and longitude at sea by measuring angular distances, esp. the altitudes of sun, moon, and stars.
Etymology: (1590–1600; < NL sextant-, s. of sextāns, L: sixth part of a unit (see sext , -ant ); the instrument has a graduated arc equal to a sixth of a circle)
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| Definition of 'sextant' |
Princeton's WordNet |
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1. (noun) sextant
a unit of angular distance equal to 60 degrees
2. (noun) sextant
a measuring instrument for measuring the angular distance between celestial objects; resembles an octant
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| Definition of 'sextant' |
Webster Dictionary |
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1. (noun) sextant
the sixth part of a circle
2. (noun) sextant
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. (noun) sextant
the constellation Sextans
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| Definitions of 'sextant' |
The Nuttall Encyclopedia |
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1. sextant
an instrument used in navigation (sometimes also in land-surveying) for measuring the altitudes of celestial bodies and their angular distances; consists of a graduated brass sector, the sixth part of a circle, and an arrangement of two small mirrors and telescope; invented in 1730 by John Hadley.
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Definitions of sextant 
