altazimuth

[ al-taz-uh-muhth ]

noun

, Astronomy.

1. an instrument for determining both the altitude and the azimuth of a heavenly body.

altazimuth

/ ælˈtæzɪməθ /

noun

1. an instrument for measuring the altitude and azimuth of a celestial body by the horizontal and vertical rotation of a telescope

Word History and Origins

Origin of altazimuth¹

First recorded in 1855–60; alt(itude) + azimuth

Word History and Origins

Origin of altazimuth¹

C19: from alt ( itude ) + azimuth

Example Sentences

It resembles an astronomical altazimuth, but instead of a telescope it carries an open tube without any lenses.

From Project Gutenberg

The altazimuth can thus determine the altitude and azimuth of objects, hence the name.

From Project Gutenberg

On his return home he settled at Westbury, where he erected an altazimuth by Troughton, with a two-and-a-half-foot circle.

From Project Gutenberg

This pillar is the support of Airy's altazimuth, and very nearly marks the place where Flamsteed set up his original sextant.

From Project Gutenberg

The third day he had a full day's work on the calculations, followed by a night duty with the altazimuth.

From Project Gutenberg