a telescope mounting that allows motion of the telescope about a vertical axis (in azimuth) and a horizontal axis (in altitude)
altazimuth mounting in American English
noun
a mounting with two axes, to allow movement in both horizontal and vertical planes, used with telescopes, antennas, and precise surveying instruments
Word origin
[1875–80]This word is first recorded in the period 1875–80. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: knockabout, musical chairs, overdraft, pressure point, slime mold