rhumb line

noun

: a line on the surface of the earth that follows a single compass bearing and makes equal oblique angles with all meridians

called also loxodrome

Examples of rhumb line in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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. Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2023 Other years, sailing the rhumb line directly to the finish, and thereby sailing fewer miles, works best. Michael Lawler, latimes.com, 24 Apr. 2018

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rhumb line.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Spanish rumbo

First Known Use

1669, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rhumb line was in 1669

Dictionary Entries Near rhumb line

Cite this Entry

“Rhumb line.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rhumb%20line. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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