astrolabe: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

No. While both are historical navigational instruments, a sextant (invented in the 18th century) measures the angle between a celestial object and the horizon more precisely. An astrolabe is older, more complex, and can perform many other astronomical calculations.

You can buy high-quality replicas or antique originals from specialised dealers and auctions. Modern reproductions are often sold as educational tools or decorative items.

Its primary purposes were: 1) Observing and predicting the positions of the sun, moon, planets, and stars. 2) Determining local time given latitude (and vice versa). 3) Solving problems of spherical astronomy. 4) For the mariner's astrolabe, specifically measuring the sun's altitude to find latitude at sea.

It symbolises the transfer and advancement of scientific knowledge, particularly from the Greek and Islamic worlds to Medieval Europe. It was a portable computer of its time, essential for astronomy, navigation, timekeeping, and astrology for over a millennium.

A historical astronomical instrument used to observe the positions of celestial bodies and solve problems related to time and location.

Astrolabe is usually formal, technical, academic, historical in register.

Astrolabe: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæstrəleɪb/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæstrəˌleɪb/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.