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Reference.org
Goniometer
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<p>A goniometer is an instrument that either measures an angle or allows an object to be rotated to a precise angular position. The term goniometry derives from two Greek words, γωνία (gōnía) '<a href="/facts/Angle/gFUTEQYq">angle</a>' and μέτρον (métron) '<a href="/facts/Measurement/rsLLbn1s">measure</a>'. The protractor is a commonly used type in the fields of mechanics, engineering, and geometry. </p><p>The first known description of a goniometer, based on the <a href="/facts/Astrolabe/BctVIEm4">astrolabe</a>, was by <a href="/facts/Gemma_Frisius/23tBkQj1">Gemma Frisius</a> in 1538. </p>