Definitions

1. noun

An ancient astronomical instrument used to measure the position of celestial bodies, especially the altitude of the sun or stars.

“The navigator used the astrolabe to determine their latitude during the long voyage across the ocean.”

2. noun

A device for measuring the angle between a celestial body and a reference line.

“The astrolabe was an essential tool for astronomers in the 18th century to observe the positions of stars and planets.”