ASTROLABE • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Astrolabe

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noun

Astrolabe n.

(Astron.) An instrument for observing or showing the positions of the stars. It is now disused. Note: Among the ancients, it was essentially the armillary sphere. A graduated circle with sights, for taking altitudes at sea, was called an astrolabe in the 18th century. It is now superseded by the quadrant and sextant.

A stereographic projection of the sphere on the plane of a great circle, as the equator, or a meridian; a planisphere.

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Etymology of 'Astrolabe'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Astrolabe" Quotes from Famous Books

... of discovery under Freycinet,* Duperrey, D'Urville, and Laplace have contributed very much to extend our knowledge of the Natural History of the Southern islands, as the publication of the History of the Voyages of the Uranie, Coquille, Astrolabe, and Favorite, amply testify; we are more especially indebted to Admiral D'Urville, who seems to unite the seemingly incompatible duties of commander of an expedition with an enthusiastic love of and search after insects. M. Guerin-Meneville published ...

— Journals Of Two Expeditions Of Discovery In North-West And Western Australia, Vol. 2 (of 2) • George Grey

Words linked to "Astrolabe" : sextant