altazimuth

 
Pronunciation: /alˈtazɪməθ/

noun

  • 1 (also altazimuth mount or mounting) Astronomy a telescope mounting that moves in azimuth (about a vertical axis) and in altitude (about a horizontal axis). Compare with equatorial mount.
  • (also altazimuth telescope) a telescope on an altazimuth mounting.
  • 2a surveying instrument for measuring vertical and horizontal angles, resembling a theodolite but larger and more precise.

Origin:

mid 19th century: blend of altitude and azimuth