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subtend

Syllabification: (sub·tend)

Pronunciation: /səbˈtend/

Definition of subtend

verb

[with object]

1(of a line, arc, or figure) form (an angle) at a particular point when straight lines from its extremities are joined at that point.
(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.

Origin:

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