minute of arc

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Explanation of "Minute of Arc"

Definition:
A "minute of arc" is a unit used to measure angles. It is equal to 1/60th of a degree. Just like there are 60 minutes in an hour, there are 60 minutes of arc in one degree.

Usage Instructions

• When to Use: You would use "minute of arc" when discussing angles in fields like geometry, astronomy, or navigation.
• How to Use: It is often used in technical contexts, so it may not come up in everyday conversation.

Example

• If you have an angle that measures 30 degrees, that can also be expressed as 30 degrees and 0 minutes of arc. If the angle were 30 degrees and 15 minutes of arc, you would say it is 30 degrees and 15 minutes.

Advanced Usage

• In astronomy, precise measurements of angles are crucial. For example, the angular separation between two stars might be described in minutes of arc to convey how far apart they appear in the sky.
• Navigation might also use minutes of arc to describe the positioning of locations on the Earth.

Word Variants

• The term can also be found in the plural form: "minutes of arc."
• Related terms include "degree," which is a larger unit of angular measurement (1 degree = 60 minutes of arc).

Different Meanings

• "Minute" can also mean very small or tiny in other contexts. For example, "a minute detail" refers to a very small detail. However, in this context, it specifically refers to angular measurement.

Synonyms

• There are no direct synonyms for "minute of arc," but you could refer to it simply as a "minute" when discussing angles, as long as the context is clear.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

• There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to "minute of arc," as it is a technical term primarily used in scientific and mathematical contexts.

Summary

In summary, "minute of arc" is a precise way to measure angles, used in technical fields.

Academic

Noun

1. a unit of angular distance equal to a 60th of a degree

Synonyms

• minute
• arcminute