spherical coordinate

noun

: one of three coordinates that are used to locate a point in space and that comprise the radius of the sphere on which the point lies in a system of concentric spheres, the angle formed by the point, the center, and a given axis of the sphere, and the angle between the plane of the first angle and a reference plane through the given axis of the sphere

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of spherical coordinate was circa 1864

Dictionary Entries Near spherical coordinate

Cite this Entry

“Spherical coordinate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spherical%20coordinate. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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