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Glite Dictionary
rhumb

rhumb

1 9.9
A line on Earth's surface that crosses north-south lines at the same angle to keep a steady compass direction
  • noun
  • /rʌm/
  • Specialized
: rumbo
  • The sailor plotted a rhumb line on the map.
  • rhumb line

Examples

  • Pilots sometimes choose a rhumb to simplify navigation, even if it's not the shortest route.

  • On a map projection, a straight line represents a rhumb rather than a great circle.

  • The ship followed a rhumb across the Atlantic to maintain a steady heading.

  • Many navigators prefer to use rhumb lines for their journeys.

  • The sailor plotted the course along the rhumb line to ensure they maintained a constant heading.

  • Using a chart, he followed the rhumb line to reach the nearest harbor safely.

  • Navigators often prefer the rhumb line for its simplicity when charting long distances.

Synonyms

rhumb line
vsrhumb
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A path on Earth that keeps the same compass direction

is the single-word form of the same navigational term
loxodrome
vsrhumb
  • Specialized
9.9

A line on a globe that keeps the same compass direction and spirals toward a pole

is the common nautical name for the same constant-bearing path

Compounds

rhumb line
  • Specialized
1 9.9

A path on Earth that keeps the same compass direction

Surface Forms

rhumb singular
rhumbs plural

Etymology

Rhumb comes from the Spanish and Portuguese words rumbo and rumo, which mean 'course' or 'direction'. So a rhumb is a route that keeps the same compass heading, which is why sailors and pilots use a rhumb line to hold one steady direction.