Search the Dictionary

An instrument of wood or brass, on which this projection of the sphere is made, having a movable horizon or cursor; -- formerly much used in solving some common astronomical problems.

An instrument for restoring a picture or image distorted by anamorphosis to its normal proportions. It usually consists of a cylindrical mirror.

A iron instrument which is attached to a ship by a cable (rope or chain), and which, being cast overboard, lays hold of the earth by a fluke or hook and thus retains the ship in a particular station.

An instrument for measuring and recording the direction and force of the wind. Knight.

An instrument for measuring the force or velocity of the wind; a wind gauge.

An instrument which shows the direction of the wind; a wind vane; a weathercock; -- usually applied to a contrivance consisting of a vane above, connected in the building with a dial or index with pointers to show the changes of the wind.

An instrument of music, of the lute kind, now disused. Johnson. R. Browning.

An instrument for examining the capillary vessels of animals and plants. Morin.

ionalized, used to decorate and sometimes to strengthen an angle. -- Angle meter, an instrument for measuring angles, esp. for ascertaining the dip of strata. -- Angle shaft (Arch.), an enriched angle bead, often having a capital or base, or both. -- Curvilineal angle, one formed by two curved lines. -- External an…

An instrument to measure angles, esp. one used by geologists to measure the dip of strata.

An instrument for measuring external angles.

An instrument for measuring the amount of carbonic acid in a mixture.

The diameter of the exposed part of the object glass of a telescope or other optical instrument; as, a telescope of four-inch aperture.

An instrument for measuring the height of objects. Knight.

of implements, or utensils, for a given duty, experimental or operative; any complex instrument or appliance, mechanical or chemical, for a specific action or operation; machinery; mechanism.

er of appointment") a person to enjoy an estate or other specific property; also, the instrument by which the designation is made.

Fit or fitted; suited; suitable; appropriate. They have always apt instruments. Burke. A river . . . apt to be forded by a lamb. Jer. Taylor.

w; as, Archimedean drill, propeller, etc. Archimedean screw, or Archimedes' screw, an instrument, said to have been invented by Archimedes, for raising water, formed by winding a flexible tube round a cylinder in the form of a screw. When the screw is placed in an inclined position, and the lower end immersed in water,…

An instrument for drawing a circular arc without the use of a central point; a cyclograph.

An instrument for measuring the specific gravity of fluids; a form hydrometer.