secant

[ see-kant, -kuhnt ]

noun

1. Geometry. an intersecting line, especially one intersecting a curve at two or more points.
2. Trigonometry.
   1. (in a right triangle) the ratio of the hypotenuse to the side adjacent to a given angle.
   2. (originally) a line from the center of a circle through one extremity of an arc to the tangent from the other extremity.
   3. the ratio of the length of this line to that of the radius of the circle; the reciprocal of the cosine of a given angle or arc. : sec

adjective

1. cutting or intersecting, as one line or surface in relation to another.

secant

/ ˈsiːkənt /

noun

1. (of an angle) a trigonometric function that in a right-angled triangle is the ratio of the length of the hypotenuse to that of the adjacent side; the reciprocal of cosine sec
2. a line that intersects a curve

secant

/ sē′kănt′ /

1. A straight line or ray that intersects a curve, especially a circle, at two or more points.
2. The ratio of the length of the hypotenuse in a right triangle to the side adjacent to an acute angle. The secant is the inverse of the cosine.
3. The reciprocal of the abscissa of the endpoint of an arc of a unit circle centered at the origin of a Cartesian coordinate system, the arc being of length x and measured counterclockwise from the point (1, 0) if x is positive or clockwise if x is negative.
4. A function of a number x, equal to the secant of an angle whose measure in radians is equal to x.

Derived Forms

• ˈsecantly, adverb

Other Words From

• secant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of secant¹

1585–95; < Latin secant- (stem of secāns, present participle of secāre to cut), equivalent to sec- verb stem ( saw ¹ ) + -ant- -ant

Word History and Origins

Origin of secant¹

C16: from Latin secāre to cut

Example Sentences

An angle formed by two secants, a secant and a tangent, or two tangents, drawn to a circle from an external point, is measured by half the difference of the intercepted arcs.

From Project Gutenberg

This gives the theorem:— On a twisted cubic any two points may be taken as centres of projective pencils which generate the cubic, corresponding planes being those which meet on the same secant.

From Project Gutenberg

His father stood over him in wonder while he filled a sheet of paper with sines, cosines, secants, and such things.

From Project Gutenberg

DEF, is termed a “secant”; if it touches the circle, e.g.

From Project Gutenberg

And 29 If the angle of the secant and touch line be equall to an assigned rectilineall angle, the angle in the opposite section shall likewise be equall to the same.

From Project Gutenberg