Rhumb (Noun)
Meaning
A line on a sphere that cuts all meridians at the same angle; the path taken by a ship or plane that maintains a constant compass direction.
Classification
Nouns denoting spatial position.
Examples
- The rhumb line was an essential concept in navigation to ensure ships followed the most direct route while avoiding hazardous sea areas.
- Oceanic pilots relied heavily on recognizing patterns of rhumbs to chart the safest courses across open waters.
- In maritime history, rhumb lines on navigation charts allowed sailors to simplify their route-planning process and reduce the risk of getting lost.
- This airline's great-circle routes often appeared curved on maps, differing significantly from rhumbs which followed constant compass directions.
- Though still taught in navigation classes today, the practical use of rhumb lines has diminished greatly in favor of more sophisticated navigation tools.