0%

cross-staff

cross-staff
C c

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [kraws, kros staf, stahf]
    • /krɔs, krɒs stæf, stɑf/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [kraws, kros staf, stahf]
    • /krɔs, krɒs stæf, stɑf/

Definitions of cross-staff word

  • noun plural cross-staff an instrument for measuring the angle of elevation of heavenly bodies, consisting of a calibrated staff with another shorter staff perpendicular to and sliding on it. 1
  • noun cross-staff (nautical) An early navigational instrument, consisting of a wooden rod with a sliding crosspiece, used for measuring the altitude of a star; it developed into the sextant. 0
  • noun cross-staff A surveyor's instrument for measuring offsets. 0

Information block about the term

Origin of cross-staff

First appearance:

before 1400
One of the 24% oldest English words
1400-50, for an earlier sense; late Middle English

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Cross-staff

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

cross-staff popularity

This term is known only to a narrow circle of people with rare knowledge. Only 29% of English native speakers know the meaning of this word.
According to our data most of word are more popular. This word is almost not used. It has a much more popular synonym.

Top questions with cross-staff

  • what is a cross-staff?

See also

Matching words

Was this page helpful?
Yes No
Thank you for your feedback! Tell your friends about this page
Tell us why?