rhumb

[ ruhm, ruhmb ]

noun

, Navigation.

1. rhumb line.
2. a point of the compass.

rhumb

/ rʌm /

noun

1. short for rhumb line

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhumb¹

1570–80; < Spanish rumbo < Latin rhombus rhombus

Example Sentences

They are known for distinctive rhumb lines that radiate out from various points in the ocean in the direction of wind or compass points to help navigators plot their course.

From Los Angeles Times

The wind held long enough for the boats to slip through, and a half-hour later we were sailing a rhumb line for the beach.

From New York Times

To ensure that every cartouche, sea monster and rhumb line remains vibrant, the men keep the Venetian blinds in their south-facing apartment drawn, as if for a permanent siesta.

From New York Times

The general name by which the north, east, south, and west rhumbs of the horizon are distinguished.

From Project Gutenberg

On looking at our binnacle, they pointed to the north-west rhumb, and made us easily understand that it was the course they always steered on their return to Macassar.

From Project Gutenberg