circular measure

American  

noun

1. a measurement system for circles: 1 circle = 360 degrees (4 quadrants); 1 quadrant = 90 degrees; 1 degree = 60 minutes; 1 minute = 60 seconds.

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circular measure British  

noun

1. the measurement of an angle in radians

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Etymology

Origin of circular measure

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

For some purposes it is preferable to retain the circular measure, i radians, as being undistinguishable from sin i and tan i when i is small as in direct fire.

From Project Gutenberg

Nauticus lays down—quite correctly—that the sine of an angle is less than its circular measure.

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, 7° 20' 10" in circular measure,             or 7' 20" 10''' in duodecimal long measure.

From Project Gutenberg

Let x represent the circular measure of an angle of 15�, and y half the sine of an angle of 30� = area of the square on the radius of a circle of diameter unity = .25.

From Project Gutenberg