The primary use of a sextant is to measure the angle between an astronomical object and the horizon for the purposes of celestial navigation. The meaning of sextant is an instrument for measuring angular distances used especially in navigation to observe altitudes of celestial bodies (as in ascertaining latitude and longitude). A device used on a ship or aircraft for measuring angles, such as those between stars or that… An optical instrument used in navigation and consisting of a telescope through which a sighting of a heavenly.click for more definitions. Factsheet what does the noun sextant mean There are five meanings listed in oed's entry for the noun sextant, two of which are labelled obsolete
See 'meaning & use' for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence. An astronomical instrument used to determine latitude and longitude at sea by measuring angular distances, especially the altitudes of sun, moon, and stars See examples of sextant used in a sentence. Sextant synonyms, sextant pronunciation, sextant translation, english dictionary definition of sextant Spanish and chinese language support available A sextant is a tool for measuring the angles between heavenly bodies — the kind found in outer space
