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theodolite
[ thee-od-l-ahyt ]
noun
- Surveying. a precision instrument having a telescopic sight for establishing horizontal and sometimes vertical angles. Compare transit ( def 6 ).
theodolite
/ θɪˈɒdəˌlaɪt; θɪˌɒdəˈlɪtɪk /
noun
- a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, consisting of a small tripod-mounted telescope that is free to move in both the horizontal and vertical planes Also called (in the US and Canada)transit
theodolite
- An optical instrument used to measure angles in surveying, meteorology, and navigation. In meteorology, it is used to track the motion of a weather balloon by measuring its elevation and azimuth angle. The earliest theodolite consisted of a small mounted telescope that rotated horizontally and vertically; modern versions are sophisticated computerized devices, capable of tracking weather balloons, airplanes, and other moving objects, at distances of up to 20,000 m (65,600 ft).
Derived Forms
- theodolitic, adjective
Other Word Forms
- ٳ·ǻ··· [thee-od-l-, it, -ik], adjective
Word History and Origins
Origin of theodolite1
Word History and Origins
Origin of theodolite1
Example Sentences
The tool, a theodolite, is used to measure precise geographical location for missile launches as well as the angle and direction of the launchers, Dr Su said.
Thus Galileo’s sector was a primitive theodolite, slide rule and protractor all in one.
Until the advent of satellites, surveyors used a device called a theodolite, a precision optical instrument mounted on a tripod, for measuring angles between two designated points.
At the same time, Nepalese crews took measurements with modern, laser-equipped versions of instruments called theodolites, first used to gauge the mountain’s height in 1856 by measuring angles using trigonometry.
Where the Endurance went down is well known; the ship's captain Frank Worsley logged the position using a sextant and a theodolite.
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