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secant
[ see-kant, -kuhnt ]
noun
- Geometry. an intersecting line, especially one intersecting a curve at two or more points.
- Trigonometry.
- (in a right triangle) the ratio of the hypotenuse to the side adjacent to a given angle.
- (originally) a line from the center of a circle through one extremity of an arc to the tangent from the other extremity.
- the ratio of the length of this line to that of the radius of the circle; the reciprocal of the cosine of a given angle or arc. : sec
adjective
- cutting or intersecting, as one line or surface in relation to another.
secant
/ ˈsiːkənt /
noun
- (of an angle) a trigonometric function that in a right-angled triangle is the ratio of the length of the hypotenuse to that of the adjacent side; the reciprocal of cosine sec
- a line that intersects a curve
secant
/ sē′kănt′ /
- A straight line or ray that intersects a curve, especially a circle, at two or more points.
- The ratio of the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle to the side adjacent to an acute angle. The secant is the inverse of the cosine.
- The reciprocal of the abscissa of the endpoint of an arc of a unit circle centered at the origin of a Cartesian coordinate system, the arc being of length x and measured counterclockwise from the point (1, 0) if x is positive or clockwise if x is negative.
- A function of a number x, equal to the secant of an angle whose measure in radians is equal to x.
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Derived Forms
- ˈsecantly, adverb
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Other Words From
- secant·ly adverb
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Word History and Origins
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Word History and Origins
Origin of secant1
C16: from Latin secāre to cut
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Example Sentences
On any secant of an hyperbola the segments between the curve and the asymptotes are equal.
From Project Gutenberg
The fraction Δy/Δx is the trigonometrical tangent of the angle which the secant PP′ makes with the axis of x.
From Project Gutenberg
If the curve has a tangent at P the secant PP′ approaches a limiting position (see 33 below).
From Project Gutenberg
There is no necessary connexion between a conical projection and any touching or secant cone.
From Project Gutenberg
I say they are equall in the alterne angles of the secant and touch line oey, and oeu.
From Project Gutenberg
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