sexagesimal

[ sek-suh-jes-uh-muhl ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or based upon the number 60.

noun

1. a fraction whose denominator is 60 or a power of 60.

sexagesimal

/ ˌsɛksəˈdʒɛsɪməl /

adjective

1. relating to or based on the number 60

   sexagesimal measurement of angles

noun

1. a fraction in which the denominator is some power of 60; a sixtieth

Word History and Origins

Origin of sexagesimal¹

From the Medieval Latin word sexāgēsimālis, dating back to 1675–85. See Sexagesima, -al ¹

Example Sentences

After that the sexagesimal division system is abandoned, and fractions of seconds are estimated in decimals.

From Project Gutenberg

Gunter had as early as 1620 given the logarithms of sines and tangents on the sexagesimal scale, as far as seven decimals.

From Project Gutenberg

Each degree is divided into 60 minutes, and each minute into 60 seconds, according to the sexagesimal division of the circle.

From Project Gutenberg

The Babylonians adopted 60 for both these purposes, thus giving us the sexagesimal division of angles and of time.

From Project Gutenberg

The trigonometrical results are given for every hundred-thousandth of the quadrant (10″ centesimal or 3″.24 sexagesimal).

From Project Gutenberg