Plain English Meaning

A full circle marked off in 360 numbered steps, used to show direction. North is at 0°, and the numbers go around the circle clockwise back to 360°, which is the same point as 0°.

Full Definition

A circular scale divided into 360 degrees of horizontal direction, with 0° (or 360°) at the top representing north and the numbers increasing clockwise through east (90°), south (180°), and west (270°). On a heading indicator, the aircraft's current heading is read against this scale.

Context Anchor

Seen on the heading indicator, where the instrument shows aircraft heading on a circular compass-style display.

Derivation

Azimuth comes from the Arabic 'as-sumut,' meaning 'the directions.' It refers to a horizontal direction measured around a circle, as opposed to elevation, which is measured up or down.