Terminology from the Age of Sail

For a custom word search, make your selections below. For an alphabetical listing select Alphabetical Search. Search is NOT case-sensitive. 1. definition or term - term ONLY i.e. oar will find the definition for oar. 2. any reference to - finds any match i.e. tool will find all shipwright tools. 3. text containing - finds any partial match i.e. oar will ALSO find inboard.
Alphabetical Search \| All Entries \| Modern Terms
Advanced Keyword Search
Search result for definition: astrolabe
Astrolabe: A navigational instrument. It consisted of a dial, showing degrees, with an arm (alidade) pivoting through the centre. This arm, had a projection with a small hole on each end, you would line these up so a celestial body would be visible through both and the astrolabe's degree markings would indicate the celestial object's angle in the sky. It was used to determine a ships position by finding and predicting the position of the stars and the sun through triangulation. With the mariners astrolabe, latitude could be determined using the Pole Star or the Sun. The astrolabe was the main navigational instrument until the invention of the sextant in the 16th century.