Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
secant
noun
/ˈsiː.kænt/
Definition
A secant is a line that intersects a curve at two or more points.
Examples
- The secant of an angle in a right triangle is the ratio of the hypotenuse to the adjacent side.
- When we draw a secant line to a circle, it touches the circle at two distinct points.
- The secant function can be calculated using a calculator that has trigonometric functions.
Meaning
In mathematics, the term ‘secant’ can also refer to a specific trigonometric function that is the reciprocal of the cosine function.
Synonyms
- None
- Secant line
- Trigonometric secant
