loxodromic

[ lok-suh-drom-ik ]

adjective

1. noting, pertaining to, or according to loxodromes or rhumb lines.
2. noting or pertaining to a map projection, as Mercator's projection, in which rhumb lines appear as straight lines.

loxodromic

/ ˌlɒksəˈdrɒmɪk /

adjective

1. of or relating to rhumb lines or to map projections on which rhumb lines appear straight, as on a Mercator projection

Derived Forms

• ˌloxoˈdromically, adverb

Other Words From

• loxo·dromi·cal·ly adverb
• nonlox·o·dromic adjective
• nonlox·o·dromi·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of loxodromic¹

1695–1705; < Greek loxó ( s ) slanting, crosswise + dromikós of a course; -drome, -ic

Word History and Origins

Origin of loxodromic¹

C17: from Greek loxos oblique + dromikos relating to a course

Example Sentences

Loxodromic, lok-so-drom′ik, adj. pertaining to certain lines on the surface of a sphere which cut all meridians at the same angle, and indicate the course held by ships in rhumb sailing.—Loxodromic curve, line, or spiral, the course of a ship oblique to the equator and cutting all the meridians at the same angle, sailing constantly toward the same point of the compass.—Loxodromics, the art of such oblique sailing.

From Project Gutenberg

No one knew what an "isometric equatorial projection of a loxodromic curve" was, or seemed to care.

From Time Magazine Archive