octantPronunciation: /ˈɒkt(ə)nt/Definition of octant noun an arc of a circle equal to one eighth of its circumference, or the area enclosed by such an arc with two radii of the circle. each of eight parts into which a space or solid body is divided by three planes which intersect (especially at right angles) at a single point. an obsolete instrument in the form of a graduated eighth of a circle, used in astronomy and navigation. Origin: late 17th century: from Latin octans, octant- 'half-quadrant', from octo 'eight'octant in other Oxford dictionaries Definition of octant in the US English dictionary
