azimuth

noun

az·​i·​muth ˈaz-məth 

ˈa-zə-

1

: an arc of the horizon measured between a fixed point (such as true north) and the vertical circle passing through the center of an object usually in astronomy and navigation clockwise from the north point through 360 degrees

2

: horizontal direction expressed as the angular distance between the direction of a fixed point (such as the observer's heading) and the direction of the object

azimuthal

ˌa-zə-ˈmə-thəl 

adjective

azimuthally

ˌa-zə-ˈmə-thə-lē 

adverb

Illustration of azimuth

• 1 horizon
• 2 zenith
• 3 star
• 4 meridian
• 5 vertical circle
• 6 azimuth
• 7 observer

Examples of azimuth in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Machined aluminum headshell with azimuth adjustment. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

Engineered for superior tracking, the tonearm has an adjustable VTA, azimuth adjustment, a finely adjustable string-type anti-skate mechanism and interchangeable counterweights for broader cartridge compatibility. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 15 May 2025

To the south, near the equator and the sun’s azimuth, low-pressure zones create frequent storms. —Christophe Lavaysse, JSTOR Daily, 17 Apr. 2025

In the simulated environment, these wheels control the elevation and azimuth of a communications dish. —Evan Ackerman, IEEE Spectrum, 10 Nov. 2017

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin azimut, from Arabic al-sumūt the azimuth, plural of al-samt the way

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

azimuth

noun

az·​i·​muth ˈaz-(ə-)məth 

: horizontal direction of an object from a fixed point expressed as an angle