Alidades

/ˈæl.ɪ.deɪdz/ noun

Definition

Plural of alidade: multiple sighting devices or rulers used on surveying instruments.

Etymology

The English plural of 'alidade,' using the standard '-es' ending for words ending in '-e'.

Kelly Says

Surveyors would have multiple alidades of different scales and precisions—the word plural reminds us that medieval and Renaissance professionals had specialized tools for different tasks, just like modern craftspeople do.

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