3. Hence: An expression of an opinion or judgment upon what one has
observed; a remark. "That's a foolish observation." Shak.
To observations which ourselves we make We grow more partial for
the observer's sake.
Pope.
4. Performance of what is prescribed; adherence in practice;
observance. [Obs.]
We are to procure dispensation or leave to omit the observation of
it in such circumstances.
Jer. Taylor.
5. (Science) (a) The act of recognizing and noting some fact or
occurrence in nature, as an aurora, a corona, or the structure of an
animal. (b) Specifically, the act of measuring, with suitable
instruments, some magnitude, as the time of an occultation, with a
clock; the right ascension of a star, with a transit instrument and
clock; the sun's altitude, or the distance of the moon from a star,
with a sextant; the temperature, with a thermometer, etc. (c) The
information so acquired.
When a phenomenon is scrutinized as it occurs in nature, the act is
termed an observation. When the conditions under which the phenomenon
occurs are artificial, or arranged beforehand by the observer, the
process is called an experiment. Experiment includes observation.
To take an observation (Naut.), to ascertain the altitude of a heavenly
body, with a view to fixing a vessel's position at sea.
Syn. -- Observance; notice; attention; remark; comment; note. See
Observance.
Ob`ser*va"tion*al (?), a. Of a pertaining to observation; consisting
of, or containing, observations. Chalmers.
Ob*serv"a*tive (?), a. Observing; watchful.
Ob"ser*va`tor (?), n. [L.] 1. One who observes or takes notice. [Obs.]
Sir M. Hale.