A network of lines (like latitude and longitude) on a map, globe, or optical instrument used for measuring or referencing positions.
From Latin 'graticulus' (little grating), diminutive of 'cratis' (wickerwork, lattice). The term was adopted in cartography and astronomy to describe the grid-like reference lines.
Graticule comes from the Latin word for a lattice or grating, so when you look at a map with its latitude and longitude lines, you're literally looking at a Roman-inspired 'little grating' from 2,000 years ago.
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