sextant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Historical
Quick answer
What does “sextant” mean?
A navigational instrument used to measure the angular distance between two visible objects, traditionally between a celestial body and the horizon, to determine latitude and longitude at sea.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A navigational instrument used to measure the angular distance between two visible objects, traditionally between a celestial body and the horizon, to determine latitude and longitude at sea.
Any instrument with a graduated arc of 60 degrees (one sixth of a circle); a symbol of celestial navigation and historical exploration.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. UK usage may retain a slightly stronger historical/naval association.
Connotations
Historical, nautical, precise, adventurous.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, primarily found in technical, historical, or literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “sextant” in a Sentence
The captain used a sextant to determine their position.The angular height of the sun was measured with the sextant.The sextant sits in its case.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in history of science, maritime history, or navigation courses.
Everyday
Extremely rare; used metaphorically to mean 'a tool for finding direction'.
Technical
Standard term in navigation, archaeology of technology, and historical re-enactment.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sextant”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sextant”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sextant”
- Pronouncing it as /ˈsekstænt/ (incorrect stress or vowel).
- Confusing it with a telescope or compass.
- Using it to describe modern navigation tools.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but primarily as a backup instrument on ships, by hobbyists, sailors on traditional vessels, and in survival situations.
The name comes from Latin 'sextans' meaning 'one sixth', because the instrument's arc is one sixth of a circle (60 degrees).
A sextant has an arc of 60 degrees (1/6 of a circle), while a quadrant has an arc of 90 degrees (1/4 of a circle).
Yes, it can be used for surveying or celestial observation on land, but it is specifically designed for the stable horizon of the sea.
A navigational instrument used to measure the angular distance between two visible objects, traditionally between a celestial body and the horizon, to determine latitude and longitude at sea.
Sextant is usually technical / historical in register.
Sextant: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkstənt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsɛkstənt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “By the stars and the sextant.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of SEX (six in Latin) TANT (like an instrument) – an instrument for measuring one-sixth of a circle.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SEXTANT is a GUIDE (through unknown territories), a LINK TO THE PAST, a tool of PRECISION.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of a sextant?