versed sine

nounTrigonometry.

one minus the cosine of a given angle or arc. Abbreviation: vers.

Origin of versed sine

First recorded in 1590–1600

Also called ver·sine or versin [vur-sahyn] /ˈvɜr saɪn/ .

Words Nearby versed sine

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use versed sine in a sentence

The answer is, this measure or amount is the versed sine of the angle through which the body moves.
Scientific American Supplement, Vol. XXI., No. 531, March 6, 1886 | Various
The direction is toward the center, and the measure is the versed sine of the angle.
Scientific American Supplement, Vol. XXI., No. 531, March 6, 1886 | Various
If closer accuracy is demanded, we can attain it, by taking the versed sine for 1°, and multiplying this by 6².
Scientific American Supplement, Vol. XXI., No. 531, March 6, 1886 | Various
The versed sine, or deflection of the middle of the catenary, was 50 feet.
The life of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, Civil Engineer | Isambard Brunel
This decimal is the versed sine of the arc of 3°15', or of 3.25°.
Scientific American Supplement, Vol. XXI., No. 531, March 6, 1886 | Various

British Dictionary definitions for versed sine

versed sine

noun

a trigonometric function equal to one minus the cosine of the specified angle: Abbreviation: vers

Origin of versed sine

C16: from New Latin sinus versus, from sine 1 + versus turned, from vertere to turn

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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