ˈsekstənt noun
( -s )
Etymology: New Latin sextant-, sextans, from Latin, sixth part of anything, from sextus sixth + -ant-, -ans -ant — more at sext
1. : the sixth part of a circle
2. : an instrument for measuring altitudes of celestial bodies from a moving ship or airplane with a maximum angle of 60 degrees between its reflecting mirrors — compare octant
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