Definition

The angle measured horizontally from a reference direction, usually north, to a point where a vertical line through an object meets the horizon, often used in navigation and astronomy.

Example

The navigator used a compass to determine the azimuth of the distant island.

Conversation

Have you ever learned about azimuth in your astronomy class?

Yeah, it's the angle measured from true north to a point in the sky, right?

Exactly! It helps you find where celestial objects are located.

I find that so interesting; I should pay more attention to the night sky!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Azimuth → It is derived from the Arabic word "as-sumūt" (meaning the directions or the paths). The term was adopted into Medieval Latin as "azimuthus" and later into Middle English. Azimuth refers to the angle between a reference direction (usually north) and a point in the horizontal plane, measured clockwise.

Memory Tip

Think of the Arabic word for directions ('as-sumūt') to remember that azimuth relates to measuring angles in specific directions.

Visually Confused Words