Meaning of "octant" in English

The term "octant" in English generally refers to an instrument designed for navigation or astronomy, resembling one-eighth of a circle. It was traditionally used by sailors to measure angles, primarily between celestial bodies and the horizon, which helped in determining latitude at sea. An octant is akin to a sextant but with a smaller range, making it less versatile for some navigational tasks. In a broader sense, "octant" can also refer to any of the eight divisions of a 3-dimensional coordinate system. Its historical and practical significance is well-noted in the annals of maritime exploration and navigation.

Meaning of "octant" in French

In French, "octant" also refers to both a navigational instrument and a geometric division. The navigational octant, known as "octant," was similarly employed in the past to find the angle between the horizon and a celestial body, facilitating location determination. The term is not widely used today in practical navigation due to modern advancements but remains important in historical contexts. In geometry, an "octant" in French can signify one of the eighth parts formed by the three coordinate planes in a three-dimensional space. The word retains its dual relevance in both historical navigation and spatial geometry in French as well.

Pronunciation of "octant" in English

Phonetic Transcription: /ˈɒk.tənt/

The pronunciation of "octant" in English features a primary stress on the first syllable "ok," with the "o" pronounced as in "pot." Regional variations may occur, but the standard American and British pronunciations remain quite similar.

Pronunciation of "octant" in French

Phonetic Transcription: /ɔk.tɑ̃/

In French, "octant" is pronounced with a nasalized vowel sound in the second syllable, typical of the French language. While differences between Parisian and regional French accents might subtly alter pronunciation, the standard remains clear and distinct in its nasal quality.

Sentence examples in English and translation to French

  1. The navigator used an octant to chart their course. (Le navigateur a utilisé un octant pour tracer leur route.)
  2. In the old ship, an octant was found among the relics. (Dans le vieux navire, un octant a été trouvé parmi les reliques.)
  3. The octant lay unused as modern tools took over. (L'octant est resté inutilisé alors que les outils modernes ont pris le relais.)
  4. He demonstrated how to use an octant to measure angles. (Il a démonté comment utiliser un octant pour mesurer les angles.)
  5. The museum displayed a beautifully preserved octant. (Le musée a exposé un octant magnifiquement préservé.)
  6. She learned about the history of the octant in her studies. (Elle a appris l'histoire de l'octant dans ses études.)
  7. An octant divides the sphere into eight parts. (Un octant divise la sphère en huit parties.)
  8. Using an octant required skill and precision. (L'utilisation d'un octant nécessitait de l'habileté et de la précision.)
  9. The sailors relied on the octant during long voyages. (Les marins comptaient sur l'octant pendant les longs voyages.)
  10. Understanding the octant was crucial for early explorers. (Comprendre l'octant était crucial pour les premiers explorateurs.)

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "octant" in English

Synonyms: quadrant, sector, section, segment.

Antonyms: -.

Similar Words: sextant, compass, quadrant, hemisphere, division.

Synonyms, antonyms, and similar words for "octant" in French

Synonyms: quadrant, secteur, section, segment.

Antonyms: -.

Similar Words: sextant, boussole, quadrant, hémisphère, division.

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