Azimuth

(az'i-muth.) [From Ar. a amt, a way.] (Astron.) An intercepted arc of the horizon between the true meridian and the vertical circle intersecting the centre of a celestial object.-Magnetical A., that horizontal arc which is contained between the solar azimuth circle and the magnetic meridian. A. circles, or vertical circles, are imaginary great circles pa ing through the zenith and nadir, and cutting the horizon rectangularly. The altitudes of the heavenly bodies are measured on these circles.-A. Compa , an instrument for detecting in a more accurate manner than by the ordinary sea-compa , the magnetic amplitude of the sun or stars. [s. 65]