An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A small circle on the celestial sphere parallel to the horizon. The locus of all points of a given altitude. Also called altitude circle, circle of altitude, parallel of altitude.

Etymology (EN): Almucantar, from L. almucantarath, from Ar. almuqantarât, from al- “the” + muqantarât “sundial,” from qantarah “arch”.

Etymology (PE): Moqantar, from Ar., as above. Parhun-e farâzâ from parhun, → circle, + farâzâ→ altitude.