Dictionary
Thesaurus
Encyclopedia
Translator
Web
Related Searches
Nearby Words

Radius vector

 - 2 dictionary results

radius vector

 
Use Radius vector in a Sentence
–noun, plural radii vec⋅to⋅res  [vek-tawr-eez, -tohr-] , radius vectors.
1. Mathematics. the length of the line segment joining a fixed point or origin to a given point.
2. Astronomy.
a. the straight line joining two bodies in relative orbital motion, as the line from the sun to a planet at any point in its orbit.
b. the distance between two such bodies at any point in the orbit.
Origin:
1745–55
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To Radius vector
radius vector  
n.  

  1. Mathematics

    1. A line segment that joins the origin and a variable point in a system of polar or spherical coordinates.

    2. The length of such a line segment.

  2. Astronomy A straight line connecting the center of the sun or another body with the center of a planet, comet, or other body orbiting around it.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see Radius vector on Thesaurus | Reference
FacebookTwitterFollow us:
Partner Sites:
Ask AnswersEviteExpediaHotelsHotwireLife123LiveDailyMy Way