Dictionary

astrolabe

noun as·tro·labe \ˈas-trə-ˌlāb also -ˌlab\

Definition of ASTROLABE

:  a compact instrument used to observe and calculate the position of celestial bodies before the invention of the sextant
ADVERTISEMENT

Illustration of ASTROLABE

Origin of ASTROLABE

Middle English, from Anglo-French & Medieval Latin; Anglo-French astrelabe, from Medieval Latin astrolabium, from Late Greek astrolabion, from Greek astrolabos, from astr- + lambanein to take — more at latch
First Known Use: 14th century

Browse

2 ENTRIES FOUND:
Next Word in the Dictionary: astrolabicalPrevious Word in the Dictionary: astrolAll Words Near: astrolabe
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears