theodolite

the·od·o·lite  (th-dl-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.

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[New Latin theodolitus, theodelitus.]

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the·odo·litic (-ltk) adj.

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theodolite [thee-odd-oh-lite]

Noun

an instrument used in surveying for measuring horizontal and vertical angles [origin unknown]

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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).

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theodolite

a surveying instrument for measuring vertical and horizontal angles. — theodolitic, adj.

See also: Instruments, Land

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

theodolite - a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, consisting of a small telescope mounted on a tripod transit alidad, 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