An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

An instrument used to determine the precise timing of a star’s passage across a vertical circle.
It is used for making precise determinations of the positions of stars and planets, and can be used inversely to determine the latitude and longitude of the observer, assuming the star positions are accurately known. It consists of an accurate prism, a small pool of mercury to serve as an artificial horizon.
The most notable example of this type of instrument is that of → Danjon astrolabe.

See also: Adj. of → prism + → astrolabe.