Definition

1. Noun:
   • A surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles: A theodolite is a precision optical instrument used primarily in surveying and engineering. It consists of a small telescope mounted on a tripod, equipped with graduated circles for accurate angular measurement.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The surveyor set up the theodolite to measure the angle between the two boundary markers.
  • Accurate construction of the bridge required repeated measurements with a high-precision theodolite.

Advanced Usage

• "To take a theodolite reading": To use the instrument to measure and record an angle.
  • The engineer took a theodolite reading to determine the slope of the terrain.

Variants and Related Words

• Tachymeter (n): A type of theodolite that also measures distance electronically.
• Transit (n): An older term, sometimes used interchangeably with theodolite, especially for instruments that can be "transited" or flipped over.

Synonyms

• Surveyor's transit: An older synonym for a theodolite.
• Angular measuring instrument: A general descriptive term.

Related Phrases

• Theodolite survey: A survey conducted using a theodolite.
  • They conducted a theodolite survey to map the new road alignment.

Noun

1. a surveying instrument for measuring horizontal and vertical angles, consisting of a small telescope mounted on a tripod