azimuth

noun

az·​i·​muth ˈaz-məth How to pronounce azimuth (audio)
ˈa-zə-
1
: an arc of the horizon measured between a fixed point (such as true north) and the vertical circle passing through the center of an object usually in astronomy and navigation clockwise from the north point through 360 degrees
2
: horizontal direction expressed as the angular distance between the direction of a fixed point (such as the observer's heading) and the direction of the object
azimuthal adjective
azimuthally adverb

Illustration of azimuth

Illustration of azimuth
  • 1 horizon
  • 2 zenith
  • 3 star
  • 4 meridian
  • 5 vertical circle
  • 6 azimuth
  • 7 observer

Examples of azimuth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
What is the azimuth of the sun during the total solar eclipse in Indianapolis? Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Apr. 2024 The azimuth of the sun will be an angle of 215 degrees, according to eclipse2024.org. Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 8 Apr. 2024 Perun bounded between the panel and the radio, shouting himself hoarse, calculating azimuths, and correcting the aim of his stormers, snipers, and machine gunners. Luke Mogelson, The New Yorker, 8 Apr. 2024 The drill holes were mainly placed in step-out rows subparallel to the 2017-2018 drilling, oriented with azimuths 230 - 260, generally inclined at minus 65 degrees from horizontal. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 7 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for azimuth 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin azimut, from Arabic al-sumūt the azimuth, plural of al-samt the way

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of azimuth was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near azimuth

Cite this Entry

“Azimuth.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/azimuth. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

azimuth

noun
az·​i·​muth ˈaz-(ə-)məth How to pronounce azimuth (audio)
: horizontal direction of an object from a fixed point expressed as an angle

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