octant

[ ok-tuh nt ]
/ ˈɒk tənt /

noun

the eighth part of a circle.
Mathematics. any of the eight parts into which three mutually perpendicular planes divide space.
an instrument having an arc of 24°, used by navigators for measuring angles up to 90°.
the position of one heavenly body when 45° distant from another.
(initial capital letter) Astronomy. the constellation Octans.

Origin of octant

1680–90; < Latin octant- (stem of octāns); see Octans

OTHER WORDS FROM octant

oc·tan·tal [ok-tan-tl] /ɒkˈtæn tl/, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for octant

British Dictionary definitions for octant

octant
/ (ˈɒktənt) /

noun

maths
  1. any of the eight parts into which the three planes containing the Cartesian coordinate axes divide space
  2. an eighth part of a circle
astronomy the position of a celestial body when it is at an angular distance of 45° from another body
an instrument used for measuring angles, similar to a sextant but having a graduated arc of 45°

Word Origin for octant

C17: from Latin octans half quadrant, from octo eight