What is the literal meaning of the term "astrolabe" derived from the Greek words *astron* and *lambanō*?
Answer
Star-taker
The etymology of the word astrolabe is explicitly derived from two ancient Greek words. The component *astron* translates to 'star,' while *lambanō* means 'to take or receive.' Therefore, combining these roots results in the literal translation of 'star-taker.' This naming reflects the instrument's primary historical purpose: the measurement and acquisition of data related to celestial bodies, rather than simply viewing them through a lens like a modern telescope. This foundational concept underscores that the astrolabe was inherently an instrument of measurement and calculation concerning the heavens.
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