radius vector

noun

1
a
: the line segment or its length from a fixed point to a variable point
b
: the linear polar coordinate of a variable point
2
: a straight line joining the center of an attracting body (such as the sun) with that of a body (such as a planet) in orbit around it

Word History

First Known Use

1740, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of radius vector was in 1740

Dictionary Entries Near radius vector

Cite this Entry

“Radius vector.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/radius%20vector. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

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