rhumb
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of rhumb
1570–80; < Spanish rumbo < Latin rhombus rhombus
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The Mercator map is arguably the best for this purpose, because it straightens out spiraling rhumb lines, and that’s why it rose to dominance.
From Slate ● Jan. 21, 2026
Before the days of GPS, sailors often charted nautical courses using what’s called a rhumb line.
From Slate ● Jan. 21, 2026
They are known for distinctive rhumb lines that radiate out from various points in the ocean in the direction of wind or compass points to help navigators plot their course.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 25, 2023
To ensure that every cartouche, sea monster and rhumb line remains vibrant, the men keep the Venetian blinds in their south-facing apartment drawn, as if for a permanent siesta.
From New York Times ● Jan. 23, 2014
The Nánwá must rise near the trial-shaft, which we are about to visit, and it snakes through the property in all directions with a general rhumb from west-north-west to east-south-east.
From To The Gold Coast for Gold, Vol. II A Personal Narrative by Sir Richard Francis Burton
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