Home Dictionary Aastrolabe

astrolabe

astrolabe

Noun

pl: astrolabes

This term evokes the era of early exploration and the intersection of mathematics and astronomy. It carries a connotation of precision and antiquity, often appearing in historical narratives or academic discussions regarding the evolution of navigation before the invention of the sextant.

As a concrete noun referring to a physical object, it follows standard English countability rules. There are no irregular pluralizations or specialized partitive requirements associated with this term.

Meanings

Nounastrolabe

An ancient astronomical instrument used for measuring the altitude of a celestial body above the horizon to determine latitude or local time.

The navigator used an astrolabe to calculate the ship's position relative to the North Star.

Examples

The museum display features a brass astrolabe from the fifteenth century.

History

I wonder how difficult it was to calibrate an astrolabe while on a rocking ship.

Ancient astronomers relied on the astrolabe to map the movements of the stars.

History

Look at this old astrolabe and imagine the voyages it guided.

Travel

The scholar explained that the astrolabe was a precursor to the modern sextant.

School Life

He held the astrolabe steady to measure the angle of the sun.

History

Could you show me how to use this astrolabe to find the time of day?

Trivia

The navigator carefully adjusted his astrolabe before marking the chart.

History

An astrolabe allows a user to solve complex problems related to time and the position of the sun.

Trivia

Last Updated: May 2026•Report an Error