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Dictionary Language resources

rhumb

Syllabification: (rhumb)

Pronunciation: /rəm(b) /

Definition of rhumb

noun

Nautical

1 (also rhumb line) an imaginary line on the earth’s surface cutting all meridians at the same angle, used as the standard method of plotting a ship’s course on a chart.

2any of the 32 points of the compass.

Origin:

late 16th century: from French rumb (earlier ryn (de vent) 'point of the compass'), probably from Dutch ruim 'space, room'. The spelling change was due to association with Latin rhombus (see rhombus)