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Definition of theodolite

theodolite

/θiˈɑːdəˌlaɪt/
the · od · o · lite
Plural:theodolites
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theodolite Lexical Profile

theodolite Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A precision optical instrument used primarily in surveying, engineering, and meteorology to measure angles in the horizontal and vertical planes.

Example

"The surveyor carefully leveled the theodolite on its tripod before measuring the elevation of the proposed highway."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for theodolite

• Rhymes for theodolite

• Nearby Words

then
theocracy
theocratic
theodolite
theologian
theological
theologically

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1571 by English mathematician Leonard Digges as 'theodelitus', though its exact linguistic origins remain obscure and heavily debated among etymologists.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Theodolite. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/theodolite
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