RHUMB LINE Definition & Meaning

View synonyms for

rhumb line

noun

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

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

Discover More

51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of rhumb line¹

First recorded in 1660–70

Discover More

51�Թ� 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

Discover More

Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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

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

Browse