rhumb line

rhumb line

n.

The path of a ship that maintains a fixed compass direction, shown on a map as a line crossing all meridians at the same angle. Also called loxodrome.

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rhumb line

n

1. (Mathematics) an imaginary line on the surface of a sphere, such as the earth, that intersects all meridians at the same angle

2. (Mathematics & Measurements / Navigation) the course navigated by a vessel or aircraft that maintains a uniform compass heading Often shortened to rhumb

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

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rhumb line - A line on a sphere that cuts all meridians at the same angle; the path taken by a ship or plane that maintains a constant compass direction.

See also related terms for sphere.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

rhumb line - a line on a sphere that cuts all meridians at the same angle; the path taken by a ship or plane that maintains a constant compass direction loxodrome, rhumb line - a spatial location defined by a real or imaginary unidimensional extent