noun
theodolite
thee-OD-uh-lyte/θiˈɑːdəlaɪt/
An instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles in surveying.
The theodolite's graduated circles measure angles around its pivoting telescope.
Etymology
Despite its Greek-like appearance, the name has no established Greek derivation. It names a surveying instrument, but the inventor seems to have left no explanation of the coinage.
In context
A modern theodolite consists of a movable telescope mounted within two perpendicular axes—the horizontal or trunnion axis, and the vertical axis.
More examples
- She levels the theodolite before taking any measurements.
- We mount the theodolite on a tripod beside the road.
- Digital theodolites display horizontal and vertical angles on a screen.
Forms
theodolite · theodolites
Similar words
- transit
- A type of theodolite whose telescope can reverse direction vertically.