Dictionary
sextant
noun sex·tant \ˈseks-tənt\
: an instrument used to determine the position of a ship or airplane by measuring the positions of the stars and sun
Full Definition of SEXTANT
: an instrument for measuring angular distances used especially in navigation to observe altitudes of celestial bodies (as in ascertaining latitude and longitude)
See sextant defined for English-language learners
See sextant defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Illustration of SEXTANT
Origin of SEXTANT
New Latin sextant-, sextans sixth part of a circle, from Latin, sixth part, from sextus sixth
First Known Use: 1628
Rhymes with SEXTANT
Learn More About SEXTANT
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up sextant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).