oxtant
/ˈɑkstənt/
noun
- A navigational instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, similar to a sextant but measuring a 45-degree arc.
- Sailors in the 18th century used an oxtant to find their position at sea.
- The museum displayed an antique oxtant alongside other navigation tools.
- Learning to use an oxtant requires understanding angles and the horizon.