How Do You Spell LOXODROMIC?

Pronunciation: [lˌɒksədɹˈɒmɪk] (IPA)

Loxodromic is a rather uncommon word that refers to the path that a vessel takes when sailing on a constant compass bearing, forming a rhumb line on a chart. It is pronounced /lɒksəˈdrɒmɪk/ (loks-uh-drom-ik), with stress on the second syllable. The first syllable "lox" is pronounced like "locks" and the second syllable "drom" is pronounced like "drom" in "dromedary". The word originates from the Greek words "loxos" (meaning "oblique") and "dromos" (meaning "course" or "running").

LOXODROMIC Meaning and Definition

1. Loxodromic is an adjective related to a specific type of curved line called a loxodrome. A loxodrome, also known as a rhumb line, is a path on a curved surface, such as a sphere, that cuts across all meridians at a constant angle.

   In the context of navigation, a loxodromic line allows for efficient and convenient travel over long distances, especially on curved surfaces like the Earth. Loxodromic courses are commonly used in sailing, as they allow for easier navigation by maintaining a constant compass direction.

   The term "loxodromic" comes from two Greek words: "loxo," meaning oblique or slanting, and "dromos," meaning course or path. It refers to the oblique or slanted nature of the line as it intersects the meridians, creating a spiral-like pattern on a globe.

   Mathematically, loxodromes are characterized by their constant angle with meridians at any given point. This angle is determined by the ratio of the change in latitude to the change in longitude along the loxodrome's path.

   Overall, "loxodromic" describes a line or course that follows a specific geometric pattern, cutting across curves at a constant angle. It is particularly relevant in navigation and geography, where it enables efficient travel and simplifies direction-keeping on curved surfaces such as the Earth's.

2. Pert. to oblique sailing by the rhumb-line.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for LOXODROMIC

• koxodromic
• poxodromic
• ooxodromic
• lixodromic
• lkxodromic
• llxodromic
• lpxodromic
• l0xodromic
• l9xodromic
• lozodromic
• locodromic
• lododromic
• losodromic
• loxidromic
• loxkdromic
• loxldromic
• loxpdromic
• lox0dromic
• lox9dromic

Etymology of LOXODROMIC

The word "loxodromic" is derived from the Greek words "loxos" meaning "oblique" or "slanting", and "dromos" meaning "course" or "way". In Greek, "loxodromos" refers to a sailor's term for a line of constant bearing, or a rhumb line, on the surface of a sphere. This term was adapted into English as "loxodromic" to describe a line or curve that crosses a series of meridians or parallels at a constant angle.