Secant
/ˈsiː.kænt/noun
A line that intersects a curve at two or more points.
Did you know?The term 'secant' originates from the Latin 'secans', meaning 'cutting', and historically ties to the idea of intersection in both geometry and metaphysics.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
secans
“cutting”
Middle English
Middle English
secant
“the cutting line or chord in geometry”
16th Century
Latin
secans
“the term used in mathematics for lines that cut curves”
Modern English
English
secant
“the mathematical term for a line intersecting a curve at multiple points”