Sextant

['sekst(ə)nt] or ['sɛkstənt]

Definition

(noun.) a measuring instrument for measuring the angular distance between celestial objects; resembles an octant.

(noun.) a unit of angular distance equal to 60 degrees.

Checked by Hank--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) The sixth part of a circle.

(n.) An instrument for measuring angular distances between objects, -- used esp. at sea, for ascertaining the latitude and longitude. It is constructed on the same optical principle as Hadley's quadrant, but usually of metal, with a nicer graduation, telescopic sight, and its arc the sixth, and sometimes the third, part of a circle. See Quadrant.

(n.) The constellation Sextans.

Edited by Jason

Definition

n. (math.) the sixth part of a circle: an optical instrument having an arc=the sixth part of a circle and used for measuring angular distances.

Inputed by Hubert