direction cosine

noun

: any of the cosines of the three angles between a directed line in space and the positive direction of the axes of a rectangular Cartesian coordinate system
usually used in plural

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of direction cosine was circa 1889

Dictionary Entries Near direction cosine

Cite this Entry

“Direction cosine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/direction%20cosine. Accessed 5 Oct. 2024.

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