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and navigation: used by Greek astronomers from about 200 b.c. and by Arab astronomers from the Middle Ages until superseded by the sextant.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

Recently, an astrolabe dating to the 11th century turned up at the Fondazione Museo Miniscalchi-Erizzo in Verona, Italy.

From New York Times

By analyzing the Verona astrolabe’s design, construction and calligraphy, Dr. Gallante narrowed its provenance to 11th century Andalusia, where Muslims, Jews and Christians had worked alongside one another, particularly in the pursuit of science.

From New York Times

“As the astrolabe changed hands, it underwent numerous modifications, additions and adaptations,” Dr. Gallante said.

From New York Times

A series of Hebrew additions led Dr. Gigante to conclude that the astrolabe had eventually reached the Jewish diaspora in Italy, where Hebrew, rather than Arabic, was used.

From New York Times

Ella sighed with relief as she took out the supply list to double-check that she had everything: her satchel ready to be filled, an astrolabe, the glass weather cistern, a spice dubba, the mortar and pestle, her trusty Paragon chart to remember all five groups, the new peacock stylus Gran had given her.

From Literature