[n. of action f. prec. = erroneous 16th c. L. collīmātio, F. collimation. The proper word would be collineation.]
The adjustment of the line of sight of a telescope, etc. Line of collimation: the line of sight or optical axis. Error of collimation: the amount by which the line of sight deviates from its position of accurate adjustment.
1686. Phil. Trans., XVI. 215. Making the Line of Sight, or Collimation parallel to the sides of the Ruler. Ibid. (1783), LXXIII. 99. The magnifying power of the telescope may be varied without affecting the line of collimation.
1793. Sir G. Shuckburgh, ibid. LXXXIII. 106. Take the error of the collimation of the telescope in right ascension, by a star in the equator.
1878. Lockyer, Stargazing, 328. The optic axis of the telescope, or line of collimation.
b. Used for error of collimation.
1863. Cornh. Mag., VII. 383. Corrections are applied for collimation; that is, for the centre wire or spider’s web not being exactly in the diameter of the telescope.
c. attrib.
1878. Lockyer, Stargazing, 332. The collimation axis of the telescope.
1884. F. J. Britten, Watch & Clockm., 272. The wires must be shifted by means of the collimation screws.
