radius vector
A "radius vector" is a fundamental concept in geometry and astronomy, representing the position of a point relative to a fixed origin or the center of an orbiting body.
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Definition
C1Geometry
(technical, academic)A vector extending from a fixed point, usually the origin, to a specific point in space, indicating the position of that point.
Example
- In a Cartesian coordinate system, the radius vector helps to locate points in space.
- The radius vector from the origin to point (3, 4) has coordinates (3, 4).
C1Astronomy
(technical, academic)An ideal line connecting the center of a celestial body to a point in its orbit, showing the position of the body in its path.
Example
- The radius vector of Earth changes as it orbits the Sun.
- Astronomers use the radius vector to describe the position of planets in their orbits.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "radius vector":