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Sta′di-um.

1. An instrument for approximately measuring distances by the visual angle subtended by them. It is made of sheet-metal, brass or silver, and has a tapering slit, on the edges of which are marked the distances at which a man of ordinary size would just appear to fill the aperture when the instrument is held a certain distance from the eye. This distance is regulated by a string held between the teeth.

2. An ancient measure of length, = 600 Greek feet, 625 Roman feet, or 125 Roman paces, = 606.75 [2298] feet English. This was the length of the Olympic foot-race course.

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Sta (1)
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