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Glite Dictionary
⏱️ A second 📐 Trig ratio 🍾 Moderately dry
sec

sec

3 8.3
A trigonometry function equal to one divided by the cosine of an angle
  • noun
  • /sɛk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : secante
  • Now if you wanted to find secant Theta SEC Theta, you would first find cosine Theta in this triangle.

Now if you wanted to find secant Theta SEC Theta, you would first find cosine Theta in this triangle.

Examples

  • In trigonometry, the value of sec is derived from the reciprocal of cosine.

  • A common rule in right triangles is that the sec function increases as the angle approaches 90 degrees.

  • To calculate the hypotenuse, divide the length of the side by the sec of the angle.

Synonyms

secant
vssec
  • Specialized
1 9.6

A function in right triangles equal to the hypotenuse divided by the adjacent side

is the shortened form commonly used in formulas and labels

Compounds

triple sec
1 6.5

A clear, strong, orange-flavored alcoholic drink used in cocktails

Surface Forms

sec singular
secs plural

Etymology

Sec in trigonometry comes from the Latin word secans meaning 'cutting', like the English word section which is a 'cut' or part. A secant line 'cuts' a circle, and the trig sec is the function tied to that line, equal to one divided by the cosine.