vertical circle

noun

, Astronomy.

1. a great circle on the celestial sphere passing through the zenith.

vertical circle

noun

1. astronomy a great circle on the celestial sphere passing through the zenith and perpendicular to the horizon

vertical circle

1. A great circle on the celestial sphere that passes through the zenith and the nadir and thus is perpendicular to the horizon.

Word History and Origins

Origin of vertical circle¹

First recorded in 1550–60

Example Sentences

Flames from a driftwood fire lit the faces of two dark, wooden spirit boards making tight vertical circles in the hands of elders, their cheekbones smudged with red circles.

From The Guardian

The elevation of a point, or star, or other celestial object, above the horizon, measured by the arc of a vertical circle intercepted between such point and the horizon.

From Project Gutenberg

Theodolite, about 1780, brass; horizontal circle 5 in., vertical circle 5 in., telescope 7-1/2 in., compass 3 in.; spirit level set into compass card; spirit level attached to telescope; fixed vertical circle; unsigned.

From Project Gutenberg

A vertical circle passing through the sun may also be seen.

From Project Gutenberg

These disadvantages are overcome by adding still another graduated circle to the instrument, with its axis perpendicular to the axis of the vertical circle, thus forming a three-circle goniometer.

From Project Gutenberg