| n. | 1. | (Math.) The sixth part of a circle. | |||
| 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. | ||||
| 3. | (Astron.) The constellation Sextans.
| ||||
| Noun | 1. | sextant - a unit of angular distance equal to 60 degrees |
| 2. | sextant - a measuring instrument for measuring the angular distance between celestial objects; resembles an octant |