An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics
English-French-Persian

→ linear astrolabe.

Named after the Iranian mathematician and astronomer Sharafeddin Tusi (c1135-1213), who invented the instrument. Not to be confused with Nasireddin Tusi (1201-1274), → Nasireddin couple; → staff.

1) A long stick used to help in walking. → Sharafeddin's staff.
2) A body of persons, as employees, charged with carrying out the work of an establishment or executing some undertaking. → staff astronomer.

M.E. staf; O.E. stæf "walking stick, rod used as a weapon, pastoral staff;" sense of "group of military officers that assists a commander" attested from 1702; cf. O.N. stafr, M.Du. staf, O.H.G. stab, Ger. Stab, M.Du. stapel "pillar, foundation;" PIE base *stebh- "to support, place firmly on, fasten; post, stem;" cognate with Av. stabra- "strong, firm" and other Iranian words, as below.

1) Cubdast "hand stick," from cub "staff, stick," Mid.Pers. côp "wood, stick" + dast, → hand.
2) Estab, from Av. stabra- "strong, firm;" O.Pers. sta^mb- "to revolt;" Mid.Pers. stabr "strong, firm;" Mod.Pers. ustâm "column" [Steingass], Lori esi "tent pole," setabr "strong, big, thick, dense," setanbé "strong, powerful," estam, setam "oppression;" cf. Skt. stabh- "support," stambh- "to support, fix firmly;" Gk. stephein "to tie around, encircle," astemphes "firm, rigid;" Lith. stebas "staff, pillar."

A professional astronomer who works within a specified observatory or research group.

→ staff; → astronomer.

→ Sharafeddin's staff.

Named after the Iranian mathematician and astronomer Sharafeddin Tusi (c1135-1213), who invented the instrument. Not to be confused with Nasireddin Tusi (1201-1274), → Nasireddin couple.