theodolite

(t̸hē ädə līt′)

noun

a surveying instrument used to measure vertical and horizontal angles

Origin: ModL theodelitus: prob. invented (c. 1571) by Leonard Digges, Eng mathematician

Related Forms:

See theodolite in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
An optical instrument consisting of a small mounted telescope rotatable in horizontal and vertical planes, used to measure angles in surveying, meteorology, and navigation.

Origin:

Origin: New Latin theodolitus, theodelitus

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Related Forms:

  • the·odˌo·litˈic (-lĭtˈĭk) adjective

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