sextant
/ΛsΙkstΙnt/
C2 Β· Proficientβ
ββββ
Simple Meaning
a tool used by sailors to find their position at sea by looking at the sun or stars.
When to Use
βοΈTechnicalπAcademic Writing
Proficient β near-native mastery
Examples in Conversation
βThe old sailor showed us how to use a sextant to navigate.β
βBefore GPS, ships relied on a sextant to cross the ocean.β
Learning Path
βΆFull Definition
A navigational device for deriving angular distances between objects so as to determine latitude and longitude.
Related Words
Synonyms:
navigatorinstrument
Word Family:
sextants