Other

subtend

Definition of subtend

verb

[with object]

1 Geometry (of a line, arc, or figure) form (an angle) at a particular point when straight lines from its extremities are joined at that point: the angle subtended by a string of length r at the centre of the sphere
(of an angle or chord) have bounding lines or points that meet or coincide with those of (a line or arc).

2 Botany (of a bract) extend under (a flower) so as to support or enfold it: the main beauty is provided by the bracts which subtend the flowers

Origin:

late 16th century (in subtend (sense 1)): from Latin subtendere, from sub- 'under' + tendere 'stretch'. subtend (sense 2) dates from the late 19th century

subtend in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of subtend in the US English dictionary

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