GRE Word List

SEXTANT

an instrument for measuring angular distances used especially in navigation to observe altitudes of celestial bodies (as in ascertaining latitude and longitude)

The meaning of the word sextant is an instrument for measuring angular distances used especially in navigation to observe altitudes of celestial bodies (as in ascertaining latitude and longitude).

Random words

WordMeaning
circumspectcareful to consider all circumstances and possible consequences : prudent
jetsamthe part of a ship, its equipment, or its cargo that is cast overboard to lighten the load in time of distress and that sinks or is washed ashore
celestialof, relating to, or suggesting heaven or divinity
yoretime past and especially long past
scapegoata goat upon whose head are symbolically placed the sins of the people after which he is sent into the wilderness in the biblical ceremony for Yom Kippur
arborealof, relating to, or resembling a tree
stoutstrong of character: such as
gradationa series forming successive stages
stricturean abnormal narrowing of a bodily passage
vainhaving or showing undue or excessive pride in one's appearance or achievements : conceited