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secant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

C2
UK/ˈsiːkənt/US/ˈsiːkænt/

Technical/Formal

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Quick answer

What does “secant” mean?

A straight line that intersects a curve at two or more points.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A straight line that intersects a curve at two or more points.

In trigonometry, the reciprocal of the cosine function (sec θ = 1/cos θ).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant differences in meaning or usage between UK and US English.

Connotations

Purely technical/mathematical in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally rare in general discourse in both regions, confined to mathematical contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “secant” in a Sentence

The secant of [angle]A secant to [curve]Find the secant where [condition]

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
secant linesecant methodsecant functionsecant of an angle
medium
draw a secantcalculate the secantsecant value
weak
secant approximationsecant formulasecant graph

Examples

Examples of “secant” in a Sentence

adjective

British English

  • The secant line was drawn in red.

American English

  • We used a secant line approximation.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Used in mathematics, engineering, and physics textbooks and lectures.

Everyday

Virtually never used.

Technical

Core term in geometry and trigonometry.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “secant”

Neutral

intersecting line

Weak

cutting linetransversal

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “secant”

tangent

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “secant”

  • Using 'secant' to mean 'tangent' (a line touching at one point).
  • Pronouncing it /sɪˈkænt/ (like 'secant' with stress on second syllable).

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Almost never. It is a highly specialised term confined to geometry and trigonometry.

A chord is a line segment whose endpoints lie on the curve (e.g., a circle). A secant is the infinite line that extends that chord in both directions.

No, 'secant' is only used as a noun or adjective in modern English.

In British English: /ˈsiːkənt/ (SEE-kuhnt). In American English: /ˈsiːkænt/ (SEE-kant).

A straight line that intersects a curve at two or more points.

Secant is usually technical/formal in register.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think 'SECant' as a line that CUTS a curve (both have 'C'), or remember 'SEC' as in 'SECond' line intersecting after the first point.

Conceptual Metaphor

A bridge connecting two separate points on a path (the curve).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
In the diagram, the line AB is a because it intersects the curve at points A and B.
Multiple Choice

What is the relationship between secant and cosine?

secant: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples | Lingvocore