rhumb line
noun
a curve on the surface of a sphere that cuts all meridians at the same angle. It is the path taken by a vessel or aircraft that maintains a constant compass direction.
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“I do believe that the buck stops here, that I cannot rely upon public opinion polls to tell me what is right. I do believe that right makes might and that if I am wrong, 10 angels swearing I was right would make no difference.”
Origin of rhumb line
First recorded in 1660–70
Words nearby rhumb line
RHS, rhubarb, rhumb, rhumba, rhumbatron, rhumb line, rhumb sailing, rhus, rhyme, rhyme or reason, no, rhyme royal
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British Dictionary definitions for rhumb line
rhumb line
noun
an imaginary line on the surface of a sphere, such as the earth, that intersects all meridians at the same angle
the course navigated by a vessel or aircraft that maintains a uniform compass heading
Often shortened to: rhumb
Word Origin for rhumb line
C16: from Old Spanish rumbo, apparently from Middle Dutch ruum space, ship's hold, but also influenced by Latin rhombus
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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