Astrolabe
/ˈæs.trə.leɪb/noun
An ancient instrument used for solving problems related to time and the position of the stars.
Did you know?The astrolabe was once considered a mystical device, believed to connect the heavens with the earthly realm, used by astronomers and astrologers alike to predict fate.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀστρολάβος (astrólabos)
“An instrument for taking positions of stars.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
astrolabium
“A tool for observing and calculating the stars.”
12th Century
Arabic
مِرْقَاب (mirqāb)
“An observational instrument used to determine the positions of celestial bodies.”
14th Century
Old French
astrolabe
“A device for measuring positions of stars, used in navigation.”
Modern English
English
astrolabe
“An advanced navigational and astronomical tool.”