How Do You Spell SEXTANTS?

Pronunciation: [sˈɛkstənts] (IPA)

The word "sextants" is pronounced /ˈsɛk.stənts/. It is a noun that refers to an instrument used for measuring the altitude of celestial bodies. The spelling of this word is based on the Latin root "sextans", which means "one-sixth". The instrument is so called because it measures angles up to one-sixth of a circle or 60 degrees. The word is spelled with an "s" in the beginning and not with an "x" as one might expect based on the pronunciation.

SEXTANTS Meaning and Definition

1. Sextants are navigational instruments used by mariners and aviators to determine angular distances between celestial objects or landmarks. The device gets its name from the Latin term "sextans," meaning one-sixth, which refers to the original division of the circle into 60 equal parts used on the instrument's graduated scale.

   Traditionally, sextants feature a metal frame with a sighting mechanism, which allows the user to align the instrument with the celestial body being observed. The sextant measures the angle between the horizon and the celestial object, typically the sun, moon, or stars, providing a precise determination of the observer's position on the Earth's surface.

   The primary components of a sextant include a graduated arc, ranging from 0 to 60 degrees, a movable index arm, a telescope for sighting, mirrors to reflect the image of the celestial body, and a small magnifying lens. The user adjusts the index arm until the reflected image aligns with the actual image seen through the telescope. The angle is then read from the graduated scale and combined with mathematical calculations and known data to determine the observer's position.

   Sextants have been vital tools for celestial navigation for centuries, enabling sailors to determine their latitude and longitude even when landmarks were not visible. While modern GPS technology has diminished their widespread use in navigation, sextants are still employed in various contexts, including celestial observations, scientific research, and as backup navigation aids.

Common Misspellings for SEXTANTS

• sextents
• Sextanol
• Sextansts
• Sextenss
• Sextantors

Etymology of SEXTANTS

The word "sextant" derives from the Latin word "sextans", which means one sixth. "Sextans" itself comes from the Latin word "sextus", meaning sixth. The term "sextant" was first used in English around the early 18th century to describe a navigation instrument used for measuring the angle between two objects, typically the horizon and a celestial body. The name "sextant" arose because the instrument was designed to measure one-sixth of a circle or 60 degrees, which is equivalent to the angle between any two meridians of longitude at the equator.

Similar spelling words for SEXTANTS

• sextant,
• section,
• sexton.