astrolabe

[ as-truh-leyb ]

noun

1. an astronomical instrument for taking the altitude of the sun or stars and for the solution of other problems in astronomy and navigation: used by Greek astronomers from about 200 b.c. and by Arab astronomers from the Middle Ages until superseded by the sextant.

astrolabe

/ ˈæstrəˌleɪb /

noun

1. an instrument used by early astronomers to measure the altitude of stars and planets and also as a navigational aid. It consists of a graduated circular disc with a movable sighting device Compare sextant

astrolabe

/ ăs′trə-lāb′ /

1. An ancient instrument used widely in medieval times by navigators and astronomers to determine latitude, longitude, and time of day. The device employed a disk with 360 degrees marked on its circumference. Users took readings from an indicator that pivoted around the center of the suspended device like the hand of a clock. The astrolabe was replaced by the sextant in the 18th century.

Other Words From

• as·tro·lab·i·cal [as-tr, uh, -, lab, -i-k, uh, l, -, ley, -bi-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of astrolabe¹

1325–75; Middle English, variant of astrolabie < Medieval Latin astrolabium < Late Greek astrolábion, Greek astrolábon (neuter of astrolábos, adj. used as noun), equivalent to ástro ( n ) star + lab- (variant stem of lambánein to take, seize) + -on neuter suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of astrolabe¹

C13: via Old French and Medieval Latin from Greek, from astrolabos (adj), literally: star-taking, from astron star + lambanein to take

Example Sentences

Dr. Sharvit speculated that, lacking compasses, astrolabes or sextants, seafarers in the 14th century B.C. probably relied on celestial navigation, taking sightings and angles of the sun and star positions.

From New York Times

For 2,000 years, celestial observers mapped the heavens with astonishingly precise instruments called astrolabes.

From New York Times

“Children can hold an astrolabe and maneuver and point at a star, and a constellation will appear,” said Shaika Nasser al Nassr, deputy director of curatorial affairs for the museum.

From New York Times

“We’ll leave you all your treasure,” Leo said, “except the stuff that belongs to us, and the astrolabe, and this book, which we’ll take back to the dude in Venice.”

From Literature

Monks discovered that the astrolabe, an Arabic invention, was a handy tool for keeping track of time in the evening, helping them keep their prayers on schedule.

From Literature