Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

secant

noun

/ˈsiː.kənt/

Definition

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.
In geometry, the secant line of a circle can help determine the length of the segments it creates on the circle.
Using the secant method, we can find the root of a function more efficiently.

Meaning

In mathematics, particularly in geometry and trigonometry, a secant refers to a line that cuts across a curve, typically a circle, at two points, and is also related to the secant function in trigonometry.