Great Circle (Noun)
Meaning
A circular line on the surface of a sphere formed by intersecting it with a plane passing through the center.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The shortest distance between two points on the surface of the Earth is along the great circle that passes through both points.
- The great circle route from New York to London is the most direct path between the two cities.
- Aviation routes often follow the great circle route between two points to minimize flight time.
- The equator is a great circle that divides the Earth into two hemispheres.
- In navigation, great circles are used to determine the shortest course between two points on a sphere such as the Earth.