Definition of Almucantar
1. n. A small circle of the sphere parallel to the horizon; a circle or parallel of altitude. Two stars which have the same almucantar have the same altitude. See Almacantar.
Medical Definition of Almucantar
1.
A small circle of the sphere parallel to the horizon; a circle or parallel of altitude. Two stars which have the same almucantar have the same altitude. See Almacantar. Almucanter staff, an ancient instrument, having an arc of fifteen degrees, formerly used at sea to take observations of the sun's amplitude at the time of its rising or setting, to find the variation of the compass.
Origin: F. Almucantarat, almicantarat, ultimately fr. Ar. Al-muqantarat, pl, fr. Qantara to bend, arch.
Source: Websters Dictionary
(01 Mar 1998)
Lexicographical Neighbors of Almucantar
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