French translation of
backstaff
is
octant
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Meaning of "backstaff" in English
The "backstaff" is a historical navigation instrument used by sailors to measure the altitude of celestial bodies, particularly the sun, to determine latitude. It was invented in the 17th century and gradually replaced by more precise tools like the octant and sextant. The backstaff allowed navigators to measure angles without directly sighting the sun, reducing the risk of eye damage. As a crucial tool of the age of exploration, it contributed significantly to advancements in navigation and maritime exploration.
Meaning of "octant" in French
The term "octant" in French refers to an early navigational instrument used for celestial observations. An octant is essentially an upgraded version of the backstaff, allowing sailors to measure angles up to 45 degrees, or an eighth of a circle (hence the name "octant"), with improved accuracy. Primarily employed in the 18th and early 19th centuries, it played a pivotal role in aiding maritime navigation by determining a ship's latitude through solar and stellar measurements.
Pronunciation of "backstaff" in English
Phonetic Transcription: /ˈbækˌstæf/
The pronunciation of "backstaff" does not vary significantly across different English dialects. However, slight variations might occur in accentuation, with the first syllable likely being emphasized more prominently in certain regions, particularly in British and American English.
Pronunciation of "octant" in French
Phonetic Transcription: /ɔk.tɑ̃/
In French, the pronunciation of "octant" can slightly vary between regions in terms of intonation and accentuation. Generally, the nasal sound at the end, represented by "ɑ̃," is more pronounced in Parisian French, whereas in other francophone regions, the clarity of sounds might differ slightly.
Sentence examples in English and translation to French
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The navigator used a backstaff to determine the ship's latitude.
(Le navigateur a utilisé un octant pour déterminer la latitude du navire.) -
Backstaffs were common among sailors before the invention of the octant.
(Les octants étaient courants parmi les marins avant l'invention de l'octant.) -
A skilled sailor could accurately read a backstaff.
(Un marin habile pouvait lire un octant avec précision.) -
The museum displayed an ancient backstaff as part of its maritime collection.
(Le musée exposait un ancien octant dans le cadre de sa collection maritime.) -
Training included mastering the use of the backstaff.
(La formation comprenait la maîtrise de l'utilisation de l'octant.) -
The backstaff was crucial for long sea voyages in the past.
(L'octant était crucial pour les longs voyages en mer dans le passé.) -
Innovations led to the replacement of the backstaff with more modern instruments.
(Les innovations ont conduit au remplacement de l'octant par des instruments plus modernes.) -
A backstaff required clear skies for effective use.
(Un octant nécessitait un ciel dégagé pour une utilisation efficace.) -
Sailors passed down the skill of using the backstaff through generations.
(Les marins transmettaient l'art de l'utilisation de l'octant de génération en génération.) -
The backstaff allowed navigators to take measurements indirectly.
(L'octant permettait aux navigateurs de prendre des mesures de manière indirecte.)
Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "backstaff" in English
Synonyms: cross-staff, astrolabe
Antonyms: -
Similar Words: sextant, quadrant, octant, navigational instrument, mariner's tool
Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "octant" in French
Synonyms: huitième de cercle, instrument de navigation
Antonyms: -
Similar Words: sextant, quadrant, instrument astronomique, outil marin
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