noun

astrolabe

AS-truh-layb

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Astrolabe (noun) means an early instrument used by astronomers and navigators to measure the height of the Sun and stars above the horizon. Example: “The museum displays a medieval astrolabe used for navigation.”

noun

An early instrument used by astronomers and navigators to measure the height of the Sun and stars above the horizon.

"The museum displays a medieval astrolabe used for navigation."

"Sailors once used an astrolabe to work out their position at sea."

"Astronomers relied on the astrolabe before telescopes were invented."

How to use astrolabe

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishAn old device for tracking the stars and the Sun to tell time or find your position.

When to use it

It's a technical, historical term used mainly in astronomy and history contexts.

Memory tip

Stress falls on the first syllable: AS-truh-layb, not as-TROH-labe.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

medieval astrolabe use an astrolabe astrolabe used for navigation

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “astrolabe” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The museum displays a medieval _____ used for navigation.

Etymology

Astrolabe reached English through Middle French and Old French, having come from an Ancient Greek word formed from the terms for star and to take, reflecting its use for tracking the stars.

Origin: French

Rhymes for astrolabe

Abe babe Gabe Cabe Sabe McCabe wannabe Watanabe

See all rhymes for astrolabe →

Frequently asked questions

What was an astrolabe used for?

It measured the altitude of the Sun and stars, which helped astronomers and sailors work out time, latitude and position.

Where does the word astrolabe come from?

It comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning star-taking, built from the words for star and to take.

Are astrolabes still used today?

They're mainly studied and displayed as historical instruments by historians, collectors and hobbyists interested in early astronomy.

What is the meaning of astrolabe?

"astrolabe" (noun) means an early instrument used by astronomers and navigators to measure the height of the Sun and stars above the horizon.