radius vector
noun, plural radii vec·to·res [vek-tawr-eez, -tohr-] /vɛkˈtɔr iz, -ˈtoʊr-/, radius vectors.
Mathematics.
the length of the line segment joining a fixed point or origin to a given point.
Astronomy.
- the straight line joining two bodies in relative orbital motion, as the line from the sun to a planet at any point in its orbit.
- the distance between two such bodies at any point in the orbit.
Origin of radius vector
First recorded in 1745–55
Words nearby radius vector
radius of action,
radius of convergence,
radius of curvature,
radius of gyration,
radius rod,
radius vector,
radix,
radix point,
radm,
radnor,
radnorshire
British Dictionary definitions for radius vector
radius vector
noun
maths
a line joining a point in space to the origin of polar or spherical coordinates
astronomy
an imaginary line joining a satellite to the planet or star around which it is orbiting
Scientific definitions for radius vector
radius vector
A line segment that joins the origin and a variable point in a system of polar or spherical coordinates.
The imaginary straight line that connects the center of the Sun or another body with the center of a planet, comet, or other body that orbits it.