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.

Synonyms
- intersecting line
- trigonometrical secant
- span