noun
- A curve on the surface of a sphere that crosses all meridians at the same angle; a line of constant bearing used in navigation.
Usage: nautical; mathematics; plural of loxodrome
Examples
- Ships often follow loxodromes because they maintain a constant compass bearing.
- Loxodromes appear as straight lines on Mercator projection maps.
- The navigator plotted a course using loxodromes rather than great circles.
- Unlike great circles, loxodromes spiral toward the poles without ever reaching them.
- Modern GPS systems can calculate routes along loxodromes for simplified navigation.