versine

English

Noun

versine (plural versines)

  1. (trigonometry) The versed sine.
    • 1941 September, “The Why and the Wherefore: Curves”, in Railway Magazine, page 430:
      The simplest method of calculating the radius of a curve in situ is to measure the versine; in railway practice this is done by extending a tape 66 ft. (1 ch.) long in a straight line or chord between two points on the periphery of a curve, and then measuring the maximum distance of the rail from the chord at the centre of the 66 ft. The radius in chains is found by dividing the versine in inches into 99. Thus if a versine measures 3 in., the radius will be 33 ch.

Derived terms
  • vercosine

Anagrams
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