'Secant' definitions:
Definition of 'secant'
(from WordNet)
noun
A straight line that intersects a curve at two or more points
noun
Ratio of the hypotenuse to the adjacent side of a right- angled triangle [syn: secant, sec]
Definition of 'Secant'
From: GCIDE
- Secant \Se"cant\ (s[=e]"k[a^]nt), a. [L. secans, -antis, p. pr. of secare to cut. See Section.] Cutting; dividing into two parts; as, a secant line. [1913 Webster]
Definition of 'Secant'
From: GCIDE
- Secant \Secant\, n. [Cf. F. s['e]cante. See Secant, a.]
- 1. (Geom.) A line that cuts another; especially, a straight line cutting a curve in two or more points. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Trig.) A right line drawn from the center of a circle through one end of a circular arc, and terminated by a tangent drawn from the other end; the number expressing the ratio of this line to the radius of the circle. See Trigonometrical function, under Function. [1913 Webster]
Synonyms of 'secant'
From: Moby Thesaurus
- air line,
- axis,
- beeline,
- chiasmal,
- chiasmic,
- chiastic,
- chord,
- crisscross,
- cross,
- crosscut,
- crossed,
- crossing,
- cut across,
- decussate,
- decussated,
- diagonal,
- diameter,
- direct line,
- directrix,
- edge,
- great-circle course,
- intersected,
- intersecting,
- normal,
- perpendicular,
- radius,
- radius vector,
- right line,
- segment,
- shortcut,
- side,
- straight,
- straight course,
- straight line,
- straight stretch,
- straightaway,
- streamline,
- tangent,
- transversal,
- vector