Definition
The horizontal angle, measured clockwise from a fixed reference direction (usually true north), to the line pointing toward an object. In navigation, it describes the direction to a point on the earth's surface or to a celestial body, expressed in degrees from 000° through 360°.
Plain English
It is the compass direction to something, given as a number of degrees measured clockwise from north. North is 0°, east is 90°, south is 180°, and west is 270°.
Context Anchor
Seen in navigation, chart reading, radar, antenna, and radio navigation discussions when a direction is described around the horizon.
Derivation
Azimuth comes from the Arabic 'as-sumūt,' meaning 'the directions' or 'the ways.' Early Arab astronomers used it to describe the horizontal direction to a star. The aviation meaning preserves that original idea: a horizontal direction measured around the horizon.
Why Pilots Care
It gives the exact horizontal bearing needed for accurate navigation and position fixes.
Grounding Statement
Picture standing in one spot and turning in a circle: the angle of azimuth is the direction you turn to face, measured around the horizon.
Intuition Check
Do not read azimuth as height or climb angle. Azimuth is direction around the horizon; height is the up-and-down part.
Example Sentence 1
The navigator reported the angle of azimuth to the beacon as 075°, placing it slightly north of east.
Example Sentence 2
During the approach briefing the pilot noted the angle of azimuth aligned with the runway heading.