SEXTANS Meaning and
Definition
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Sextans is a Latin word that literally translates to "sixth part" or "one-sixth." In various contexts, it is primarily used to refer to two distinct meanings, one in astronomy and the other in ancient Roman history.
In the field of astronomy, Sextans is a constellation that represents a sextant, a navigational instrument used to measure celestial distances. Located in the southern celestial hemisphere, it is the sixth smallest constellation among the 88 constellations recognized by the International Astronomical Union. Sextans is positioned just south of the constellation Leo and is visible in the northern hemisphere during the months of March through May.
Historically, Sextans also refers to an ancient Roman bronze coin that was worth one-sixth of an as. The namesake of the coin derives from the Latin term for a sextant, as the coin's value was roughly equivalent to one-sixth of the standard as, the basic unit of Roman coinage. Along with the rest of the Roman currency system, the sextans played a significant role in economic transactions and trade during the height of the Roman Empire.
Overall, Sextans encompasses both an astronomical constellation and an ancient Roman coin, each with their own distinct meanings and historical significance within their respective fields.
Common Misspellings for SEXTANS
Etymology of SEXTANS
The word "Sextans" derives from Latin. It is derived from the verb "sextare", which means to divide into six parts. In ancient Roman times, Sextans was used as a unit of currency and represented one-sixth of an as, which was the basic unit of Roman coinage. The name "Sextans" was also given to a measuring instrument used in ancient Roman surveying, which was divided into six equal parts. Additionally, Sextans is the name of a constellation in the southern sky that represents a sextant, a measuring instrument used for navigation.
Similar spelling words for SEXTANS
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