(Astron.), the angle which any line (as that joining two stars) makes with another fixed line, specifically with a circle of declination. — Double position(Arith.), the method of solving problems by proceeding with each of two assumed numbers, according to the conditions of the problem, and by comparing the difference of the results with those of the numbers, deducing the correction to be applied to one of them to obtain the true result. — Guns of position(Mil.), heavy fieldpieces, not designed for quick movements. — Position finder(Mil.), a range finder. See under Range. — Position micrometer, a micrometer applied to the tube of an astronomical telescope for measuring angles of position in the field of view. — Single position(Arith.), the method of solving problems, in which the result obtained by operating with an assumed number is to the true result as the number assumed is to the number required. — Strategic position(Mil.), a position taken up by an army or a large detachment of troops for the purpose of checking or observing an opposing force.

Syn. — Situation; station; place; condition; attitude; posture; proposition; assertion; thesis.

Position
(Po*si"tion) v. t. To indicate the position of; to place. [R.] Encyc. Brit.

Positional
(Po*si"tion*al) a. Of or pertaining to position.

Ascribing unto plants positional operations.
Sir T. Browne.

Positive
(Pos"i*tive) a. [OE. positif, F. positif, L. positivus. See Position.]

1. Having a real position, existence, or energy; existing in fact; real; actual; — opposed to negative. "Positive good." Bacon.

2. Derived from an object by itself; not dependent on changing circumstances or relations; absolute; — opposed to relative; as, the idea of beauty is not positive, but depends on the different tastes individuals.

3. Definitely laid down; explicitly stated; clearly expressed; — opposed to implied; as, a positive declaration or promise.

Positive words, that he would not bear arms against King Edward's son.
Bacon.

4. Hence: Not admitting of any doubt, condition, qualification, or discretion; not dependent on circumstances or probabilities; not speculative; compelling assent or obedience; peremptory; indisputable; decisive; as, positive instructions; positive truth; positive proof. "'T is positive 'gainst all exceptions." Shak.

5. Prescribed by express enactment or institution; settled by arbitrary appointment; said of laws.

In laws, that which is natural bindeth universally; that which is positive, not so.
Hooker.

6. Fully assured; confident; certain; sometimes, overconfident; dogmatic; overbearing; — said of persons.

Some positive, persisting fops we know,
That, if once wrong, will needs be always.
Pope.

7. Having the power of direct action or influence; as, a positive voice in legislation. Swift.

8. (Photog.) Corresponding with the original in respect to the position of lights and shades, instead of having the lights and shades reversed; as, a positive picture.

9. (Chem.) (a) Electro- positive. (b) Hence, basic; metallic; not acid; — opposed to negative, and said of metals, bases, and basic radicals.

Positive crystals(Opt.), a doubly refracting crystal in which the index of refraction for the extraordinary ray is greater than for the ordinary ray, and the former is refracted nearer to the axis than the latter, as quartz and ice; — opposed to negative crystal, or one in which this characteristic is reversed, as Iceland

Angle of position
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