Definition of secant

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se·cant

, -k

nt) KEY

NOUN:
Abbr. sec

1. A straight line intersecting a curve at two or more points.
2. The straight line drawn from the center through one end of a circular arc and intersecting the tangent to the other end of the arc.
3. The ratio of the length of this line to the length of the radius of the circle.
The reciprocal of the cosine of an angle in a right triangle.

ETYMOLOGY:
From Latin secns, secant- present participle of secre, to cut; see sek- in Indo-European roots

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