tənt noun
1.
the eighth part of a circle.
2.
Mathematics. any of the eight parts into which three mutually perpendicular planes divide space.
3.
an instrument having an arc of 24°, used by navigators for measuring angles up to 90°.
4.
the position of one heavenly body when 45° distant from another.
5.
( initial capital letter ) Astronomy. the constellation Octans.
Related forms
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Link To octant
00:10
Octant
is always a great word to know.
So is pi. Does it mean:
| the letter used as the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, or the ratio itself: 3.141592+ |
| pertaining to the mathematical prerequisites for the study of calculus, as algebra, analytical geometry, and trigonometry |
Collins
World English Dictionary
octant (ˈɒktənt) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n | |
| 1. | maths |
| a. any of the eight parts into which the three planes containing the Cartesian coordinate axes divide space | |
| b. an eighth part of a circle | |
| 2. | astronomy the position of a celestial body when it is at an angular distance of 45° from another body |
| 3. | an instrument used for measuring angles, similar to a sextant but having a graduated arc of 45° |
| [C17: from Latin octans half quadrant, from octo eight] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
octant
"instrument for making angular measurements in navigation or astronomy," 1731, from L.L. octans, from octo "eight" (see octa-).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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