siderostat

[ sid-er-uh-stat ]

noun

1. a telescopic device for reflecting the light of a star in a constant direction, the chief component of which is a plane mirror turned by a clock mechanism to correct for the rotation of the earth.

siderostat

/ ˈsaɪdərəʊˌstæt /

noun

1. an astronomical instrument consisting essentially of a plane mirror driven about two axes so that light from a celestial body, esp the sun, is reflected along a constant direction for a long period of time See also heliostat Compare coelostat

Derived Forms

• ˌsideroˈstatic, adjective

Other Words From

• sider·o·static adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of siderostat¹

First recorded in 1875–80; sidero- ² + -stat

Word History and Origins

Origin of siderostat¹

C19: from sidero- , from Latin sidus a star + -stat , on the model of heliostat

Example Sentences

The telescope was housed at the Exhibition in a long gallery pointing due north and south, the siderostat at the north end.

From Project Gutenberg

The siderostat, twenty-seven feet high, and as many in length, weighed forty-five tons.

From Project Gutenberg

The movable portion of the roof of the building had been slid back, and the mirror of the siderostat stood bared to the sky.

From Project Gutenberg