Lexic.us

Definition of Sextant

1. Noun. A unit of angular distance equal to 60 degrees.

2. Noun. A measuring instrument for measuring the angular distance between celestial objects; resembles an octant.

Definition of Sextant

1. n. The sixth part of a circle.

Definition of Sextant

1. an instrument for measuring angular distances [n -S]

Medical Definition of Sextant

1. 1. The sixth part of a circle. 2. An instrument for measuring angular distances between objects, used especially. 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. 3. The constellation Sextans. Box sextant, a small sextant inclosed in a cylindrical case to make it more portable. Origin: L. Sextans, -antis, the sixth part of an as, fr. Sextus sixth, sex six. See Six. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Sextant

sexploitation sexploitations sexpot sexpots sexradiate sext sext sextain sextains sextan

sextan sextans sextans sextanses sextant (current term) sextant (current term) sextants sextarii sextarius sextary

sextet sextets sextett sextette sextettes sextetts sextic sextile sextile sextiles

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