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angular distance

American  
[ang-gyuh-ler dis-tuhns] / ˈæŋ gjə lər ˈdɪs təns /

noun

  • angular distances
    plural
  1. Trigonometry. the measure, in degrees, of the angle between two straight lines extending from a central reference point, such as the lines connecting the center of the earth's core with two points on its surface, or the lines connecting the center of a disk with two points on its perimeter.

  2. Physics. angular displacement.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms


Example Sentences

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See Examples For:

If the distance moved is less than half the angular distance between the spokes, the wheel will appear to revolve normally.

From Scientific American ● Nov. 1, 2022

But if the distance is more than this, say, three-quarters the angular distance between the spokes, then an illusion of backward motion is produced.

From Scientific American ● Nov. 1, 2022

You find that Sirius has traveled an angular distance of about 75° in 5 h.

From Textbooks ● Oct. 13, 2016

The angular distance from the seismic source to the shadow zone is 103° on either side, so the total angular distance of the shadow zone is 154°.

From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015

Right ascension, corresponding to terrestrial longitude, is the angular distance of a heavenly body from the vernal equinox measured on the celestial equator eastward to the hour circle passing through the body.

From Astronomical Lore in Chaucer by Florence M. Grimm

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