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.
Nearby words
- rhotacize,
- rhotic,
- rhs,
- rhubarb,
- rhumb,
- rhumb sailing,
- rhumba,
- rhumbatron,
- rhus,
- rhyme
Origin of rhumb line
First recorded in 1660–70
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
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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