radian

[ rey-dee-uhn ]

nounMathematics.
  1. the measure of a central angle subtending an arc equal in length to the radius: equal to 57.2958°. Abbreviation: rad

Origin of radian

1
First recorded in 1875–80; radi(us) + -an

Words Nearby radian

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How to use radian in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for radian

radian

/ (ˈreɪdɪən) /


noun
  1. an SI unit of plane angle; the angle between two radii of a circle that cut off on the circumference an arc equal in length to the radius. 1 radian is equivalent to 57.296 degrees and π/2 radians equals a right angle: Symbol: rad

Origin of radian

1
C19: from radius

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

Scientific definitions for radian

radian

[ dē-ən ]


  1. A supplementary unit of the International System used in angular measure. One radian is equal to the angle subtended at the center of a circle by an arc equal in length to the radius of the circle, approximately 57°17′44.6″.

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