astrolabe

Definition

An astronomical and navigational instrument for gauging the altitude of the Sun and stars.

Etymology

From Middle English astrelabie et al., from Middle French astrolabe, Old French astrelabe, from Ancient Greek ἀστρολάβος (astrolábos, “star-taking”), from ἄστρον (ástron, “star”) + λαμβάνω (lambánō, “I take”).

Example Sentences

• "The shop carries more than a dozen sundials, mostly of bronze, plus an astrolabe ($650) of wrought iron."
• "The cafe serves a Moroccan breakfast (orange juice, yogurt, sweet crepes, honey and jam; 100 dirhams), and the Museum of Islamic Art offers wrought Persian astrolabes, Syrian copperwork and shimmering Moroccan textiles."

Related Words