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theodolite

[ thee-od-l-ahyt ]

noun

  1. Surveying. a precision instrument having a telescopic sight for establishing horizontal and sometimes vertical angles. Compare transit ( def 6 ).


theodolite

/ θɪˈɒdəˌlaɪt; θɪˌɒdəˈlɪtɪk /

noun

  1. a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, consisting of a small tripod-mounted telescope that is free to move in both the horizontal and vertical planes Also called (in the US and Canada)transit
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


theodolite

/ thē-ŏdl-īt′ /

  1. An optical instrument used to measure angles in surveying, meteorology, and navigation. In meteorology, it is used to track the motion of a weather balloon by measuring its elevation and azimuth angle. The earliest theodolite consisted of a small mounted telescope that rotated horizontally and vertically; modern versions are sophisticated computerized devices, capable of tracking weather balloons, airplanes, and other moving objects, at distances of up to 20,000 m (65,600 ft).


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Derived Forms

  • theodolitic, adjective
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Other Words From

  • the·od·o·lit·ic [thee-od-l-, it, -ik], adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of theodolite1

First recorded in 1565–75, theodolite is from the New Latin word theodolitus < ?
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Word History and Origins

Origin of theodolite1

C16: from New Latin theodolitus, of uncertain origin
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Example Sentences

The tool, a theodolite, is used to measure precise geographical location for missile launches as well as the angle and direction of the launchers, Dr Su said.

From BBC

Thus Galileo’s sector was a primitive theodolite, slide rule and protractor all in one.

Until the advent of satellites, surveyors used a device called a theodolite, a precision optical instrument mounted on a tripod, for measuring angles between two designated points.

At the same time, Nepalese crews took measurements with modern, laser-equipped versions of instruments called theodolites, first used to gauge the mountain’s height in 1856 by measuring angles using trigonometry.

Where the Endurance went down is well known; the ship's captain Frank Worsley logged the position using a sextant and a theodolite.

From BBC

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