rhumb line

noun

1. a curve on the surface of a sphere that cuts all meridians at the same angle. It is the path taken by a vessel or aircraft that maintains a constant compass direction.

rhumb line

noun

1. an imaginary line on the surface of a sphere, such as the earth, that intersects all meridians at the same angle
2. the course navigated by a vessel or aircraft that maintains a uniform compass heading

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhumb line¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhumb line¹

C16: from Old Spanish rumbo , apparently from Middle Dutch ruum space, ship's hold, but also influenced by Latin rhombus

Example Sentences

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