Apparent

(ap-pair'ent.) [From L. appareo, I appear. ] Generally, anything which is perceptible to the eyes or obvious to the intelligence.-(Math. and Astron.) Noting the aspect certain things present to us, as distinguished from their actual body or substance; thus, we speak of the A. diameter of a planet, .-The A. altitude of a star is the horizontal angle caused by the line of vision, while the real altitude nece itates the effect of parallax, ., to be taken into consideration. The A. diameter ofa planet is measured by a bi-linear visual angle to opposite sides of its disc; the real is a line connecting these points. The A. or sensible horizon is a plane at tangents with the earth's surface at the place of the looker-on; the true horizon, on the other hand, is a plane parallel to the above, pa ing through the centre of the earth.-(Law.) A term indicating indefeasible right of inheritance; or, first in the line of succe ion; as, the heir apparent to a crown, in contradistinction to the heir presumptive. [s. 39]