the·od·o·lite (th - d l- t )n. An optical instrument consisting of a small mounted telescope rotatable in horizontal and vertical planes, used to measure angles in surveying, meteorology, and navigation. [New Latin theodolitus, theodelitus.] the·od o·litic (-l tk) adj. |
theodolite [θɪˈɒdəˌlaɪt]
n
(Mathematics & Measurements / Surveying) a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, consisting of a small tripod-mounted telescope that is free to move in both the horizontal and vertical planes Also called (in the US and Canada) transit
[from New Latin theodolitus, of uncertain origin]
theodolitic [θɪˌɒdəˈlɪtɪk] adj
| theodolite (th-dl-t) An optical instrument used to measure angles in surveying, meteorology, and navigation. In meteorology, it is used to track the motion of a weather balloon by measuring its elevation and azimuth angle. The earliest theodolite consisted of a small mounted telescope that rotated horizontally and vertically; modern versions are sophisticated computerized devices, capable of tracking weather balloons, airplanes, and other moving objects, at distances of up to 20,000 m (65,600 ft). |
theodolite
a surveying instrument for measuring vertical and horizontal angles. — theodolitic, adj.
See also: Instruments, Land
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  theodolite - a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, consisting of a small telescope mounted on a tripodalidad, alidade - surveying instrument consisting of the upper movable part of a theodolite including the telescope and its attachments surveying instrument, surveyor's instrument - an instrument used by surveyors tacheometer, tachymeter - a theodolite designed for rapid measurements |
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