theodolite

[ thee-od-l-ahyt ]
/ θiˈɒd lˌaɪt /

noun

Surveying. a precision instrument having a telescopic sight for establishing horizontal and sometimes vertical angles. Compare transit(def 6).
phototheodolite.

Origin of theodolite

First recorded in 1565–75, theodolite is from the New Latin word theodolitus < ?

OTHER WORDS FROM theodolite

the·od·o·lit·ic [thee-od-l-it-ik] /θiˌɒd lˈɪt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby theodolite

theocracy, theocrasy, theocrat, theocritus, theodicy, theodolite, theodora, theodorakis, theodore, theodore i, theodore ii

Example sentences from the Web for theodolite

British Dictionary definitions for theodolite

theodolite
/ (θɪˈɒdəˌlaɪt) /

noun

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

Derived forms of theodolite

theodolitic (θɪˌɒdəˈlɪtɪk), adjective

Word Origin for theodolite

C16: from New Latin theodolitus, of uncertain origin

Scientific definitions for theodolite

theodolite
[ thē-ŏd′l-īt′ ]

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).