az·i·muth / ˈazəmə[unvoicedth]/ • n. the direction of a celestial object from the observer, expressed as the angular distance from the north or south point of the horizon to the point at which a vertical circle passing through the object intersects the horizon. ∎  the horizontal angle or direction of a compass bearing.DERIVATIVES: az·i·muth·al / ˌazəˈmə[unvoicedth]əl/ adj.

azimuth Angle between the vertical plane through a celestial body and the n–s direction. Astronomers measure the angle eastwards from the n point of the observer's horizon. Navigators and surveyors measure it westwards from the s point. Altitude and azimuth form an astronomical co-ordinate system for defining position.

azimuth The angle made by a line on the surface of the Earth with magnetic meridian. In radar terminology, the direction at right angles to the direction of radar propagation.

azimuth arc extending from zenith to horizon. XIV. — medL. — Arab. as-sumūt, i.e. AL-2, sumūt, pl. of samt point of the compass (see ZENITH).