circular function

noun

, Mathematics.

1. trigonometric function ( def 1 ).

circular function

noun

1. another name for trigonometric function

Word History and Origins

Origin of circular function¹

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The question so far chiefly considered has been that of the representation of an arbitrary function of the time in terms of functions of a special type, viz. the circular functions cos nt, sin nt.

From Project Gutenberg

Elliptic Functions are generalizations of the circular functions sine, cosine, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

The circular functions have the period 2π; the elliptic functions are doubly periodic, having both a real and a pure imaginary period when k2 is real and less than 1.

From Project Gutenberg