astrolabe
|as-tro-labe|
/ˈæs.trə.leɪb/
instrument for measuring stars
Etymology
'astrolabe' originates from Medieval Latin, specifically the word 'astrolabium', which comes from Greek 'astrolabion' formed from 'astron' meaning 'star' and a derivative of 'lambanein' meaning 'to take' (hence roughly 'star‑taker' or 'star‑catcher').
'astrolabe' changed from Greek 'astrolabion' to Medieval Latin 'astrolabium', passed into Old French as 'astrolabe', and eventually became the modern English word 'astrolabe'.
Initially it referred to a device for 'taking' (measuring) the positions of stars; over time it came to denote the specific instrument used for astronomical measurements, timekeeping, and navigation.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
an ancient astronomical instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, determine time and latitude, and solve other astronomical problems.
Sailors in the Mediterranean used an astrolabe to estimate their latitude at sea.
Synonyms
Noun 2
a representation or projecting device of the celestial sphere (a planisphere) used for mapping the positions of stars and planets.
The museum displayed a medieval astrolabe alongside a wooden planisphere.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/11/08 04:10