angle of depression

noun

, Surveying.

1. the angle between the line from an observer or instrument to an object below either of them and a horizontal line.

Word History and Origins

Origin of angle of depression¹

First recorded in 1780–90

Example Sentences

Dip, of the horizon, the angle of depression of the visible horizon at sea below the true horizontal direction, due to the height of the eye above the level of the sea.

From Project Gutenberg

Using these formulas, he made it easy for others to find the distance to the target once they figured out the angle of depression between the position of the gun and the height above sea level.

From Scientific American

Lay the gun by the line of metal for the object at C, and with a quadrant determine the angle of depression DBC, which will be the measure of BCA, the alternate angel.

From Scientific American

Elevated positions are, contrary to the common opinion, generally unfavorable, for artillery cannot fire to advantage at any considerable angle of depression.

From Project Gutenberg