RADIUS VECTOR • FREE TRANSLATOR.ORG • Definition of Radius vector

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noun

Radius vector n.

(Math.) A straight line (or the length of such line) connecting any point, as of a curve, with a fixed point, or pole, round which the straight line turns, and to which it serves to refer the successive points of a curve, in a system of polar coordinates. See Coordinate, n.

(Astron.) An ideal straight line joining the center of an attracting body with that of a body describing an orbit around it, as a line joining the sun and a planet or comet, or a planet and its satellite.

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Etymology of 'Radius vector'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Radius vector" Quotes from Famous Books

... simply a misuse of language. It would really be interesting if the Duke of Argyll would explain how he proposes to set about showing that the elliptical form of the orbits of the planets, the constant area described by the radius vector, and the proportionality of the squares of the periodic times to the cubes of the distances from the sun, are either caused by the "force of gravitation" or deducible from the "law of gravitation." ...

— Collected Essays, Volume V - Science and Christian Tradition: Essays • T. H. Huxley

Words linked to "Radius vector" : vector