Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Equatorial

Eˊqua-to′ri-al

,
Adj.
[Cf. F.
équatorial
.]
Of or pertaining to the equator;
as,
equatorial
climates
; also, pertaining to an equatorial instrument.

Eˊqua-to′ri-al

,
Noun.
(Astron.)
An instrument consisting of a telescope so mounted as to have two axes of motion at right angles to each other, one of them parallel to the axis of the earth, and each carrying a graduated circle, the one for measuring declination, and the other right ascension, or the hour angle, so that the telescope may be directed, even in the daytime, to any star or other object whose right ascension and declination are known. The motion in right ascension is sometimes communicated by clockwork, so as to keep the object constantly in the field of the telescope. Called also an
equatorial telescope
.
☞ The term equatorial, or equatorial instrument, is sometimes applied to any astronomical instrument which has its principal axis of rotation parallel to the axis of the earth.

Webster 1828 Edition


Equatorial

EQUATO'RIAL

,
Adj.
Pertaining to the equator; as equatorial climates. The equatorial diameter of the earth is longer than the polar diameter.

Definition 2024


équatorial

équatorial

See also: equatorial

French

Adjective

équatorial m (feminine singular équatoriale, masculine plural équatoriaux, feminine plural équatoriales)

  1. equatorial

Derived terms