See Also: octant(medicine)
octant(dictionary)

retama (iou) and octant (iou)


retama (iou)



retama noun. M19.
[Spanish retama from Arab. ratam(a).]
Any of various brooms and similar leguminous shrubs characteristic of arid regions of the western Mediterranean, including Genista monosperma and Spanish broom, Spartium junceum. M19.
Any of various thorny leguminous shrubs of the south-western US, esp. Jerusalem thorn (Parkinsonia aculeata) and palo verde. L19.

octant (iou)



octant noun. L17.
[Latin octant-, -ans half-quadrant, from OCTO-. Cf. QUADRANT noun1, SEXTANT.]
Astrology & Astronomy. The aspect of two planets which are one-eighth of a circle (45 degrees) apart in the sky; spec. each of the four points at which the moon is 45 degrees from conjunction with or opposition to the sun. Cf. OCTILE. Now rare or obsolete. L17.
An arc of a circle or of the horizon forming one-eighth of the whole; one-eighth of the area of a circle, contained within two radii at an angle of 45 degrees. M18.
b. Each of the eight parts into which a space or solid figure is divided by three planes (usually mutually at right angles) intersecting at the central point. L18.
An instrument in the form of a graduated eighth of a circle, used for making angular measurements, esp. in astronomy and navigation. M18.
(Usu. Octant.) The constellation Octans. M19.
oc'tantal adjective L18.