Definition

A tool used in navigation to measure the angle between a celestial body and the horizon, helping to find one's position on Earth.

Example

Sailors used a sextant to navigate across the ocean by measuring the stars.

Conversation

Have you ever used a sextant for navigation?

No, I haven't, but I've heard it's quite interesting.

Yeah, it helps sailors find their position at sea using the stars.

That sounds really cool! I’d love to learn more about it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sextant → It is formed from "sextus" (meaning sixth) and "-ant" (a suffix used to form nouns indicating an agent or something that performs an action). The word "sextant" refers to a navigational instrument that measures angles up to 60 degrees, which is one-sixth of a circle.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'sixth' ('sextus') to remember that a sextant is used to measure angles, specifically one-sixth of a circle.

Visually Confused Words