01 n. The sixth part of a circle.
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1.
The sixth part of a circle.(Math.)
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2.
An instrument for measuring angular distances between objects, -- used esp. at sea, for ascertaining the latitude and longitude. It is constructed on the same optical principle as Hadley's quadrant, but usually of metal, with a nicer graduation, telescopic sight, and its arc the sixth, and sometimes the third, part of a circle. See Quadrant. See: Quadrant
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3.
The constellation Sextans.(Astron.)
Phrases & compounds
Box sextant —
a small sextant inclosed in a cylindrical case to make it more portable.