▪ I. trigonometer1
(trɪgəˈnɒmɪtə(r))
[f. trigonometry, on analogy of chronometer, thermometer: see -meter.]
A name given to various trigonometrical instruments.
| 1767 J. Ferguson Tables & Tracts (1771) 80 Mr. Mungo Murray..contrived a very useful instrument..which he calls The Armillary Trigonometer. 1796 Hutton Math. Dict., Armillary Trigonometer, an instrument..consisting of five semicircles..so divided and graduated, as to serve for expeditiously resolving many problems in astronomy, dialling, and spherical trigonometry. 1828 Amer. Jrnl. Sc. XIV. 270 A trigonometer..which may be conveniently carried in the pocket. 1860 in Abridgm. Specif. Patents Optical, etc. Instr. (1875) 345 An improved mathematical or plotting instrument [denominated by the inventor] a protracting trigonometer. |
▪ II. trigoˈnometer2
[f. trigonometry, on analogy of geometer, and the like.]
A person versed in trigonometry; spec. one engaged in a trigonometrical survey.
| a 1852 Macgillivray Nat. Hist. Dee Side & Braemar (1855) 92 We arrived at the centre of the broad top..seating ourselves on the base of the pyramidal cairn of the Trigonometers. 1902 Westm. Gaz. 10 Nov. 12/2 Kabru is..higher than Aconcagua—its height is,..according to the trigonometers, above 24,000 ft. |