arcmin: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “arcmin” mean?
A unit of angular measurement equal to one sixtieth (1/60) of a degree.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A unit of angular measurement equal to one sixtieth (1/60) of a degree.
Used primarily in astronomy, navigation, optics, and cartography to express very small angles or apparent sizes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is standardised in technical fields globally.
Connotations
None beyond its precise technical meaning.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “arcmin” in a Sentence
The object subtends an angle of X arcmin.The resolution is Y arcmin.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arcmin” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The arcmin measurement was crucial for the survey.
American English
- The arcmin scale on the map was too fine for our purposes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in technical papers in astronomy, physics, and geomatics.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Primary context for use. Describes angular resolution of optics, precision of instruments, or apparent size of celestial objects.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arcmin”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arcmin”
- Using 'arcmin' as an abbreviation in non-technical writing.
- Confusing 'arcmin' (minute) with 'arcsec' (second).
- Omitting the space or hyphen in 'arc minute' when writing out the full term.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised technical term used only in fields like astronomy, optics, and surveying.
The symbol is a prime mark ('), as in 30'. The word 'arcmin' is an abbreviation used in text.
No, it would be incomprehensible to most people. In general contexts, you would describe a small angle qualitatively (e.g., 'a tiny angle').
1 degree = 60 arcminutes (arcmin). 1 arcminute = 60 arcseconds (arcsec).
A unit of angular measurement equal to one sixtieth (1/60) of a degree.
Arcmin is usually technical/scientific in register.
Arcmin: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɑːkˌmɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɑrkˌmɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a clock: 60 minutes make an hour, just as 60 arcminutes make a degree of angle.
Conceptual Metaphor
Angular distance as linear distance (e.g., 'The moon is about 30 arcmin across').
Practice
Quiz
How many arcseconds are in one arcminute?