noun
sine
SINE/saɪn/
A trigonometric function that, for an acute angle in a right triangle, gives the ratio of the opposite side to the hypotenuse.
The angle's sine equals the opposite side's length divided by the hypotenuse's length.
Etymology
Latin sinus, meaning “fold” or “bosom,” acquired its mathematical use through a mistranslation: an Arabic term for a chord was confused with one meaning “bosom.” That translated name survives in the trigonometric ratio.
In context
if you go sine of a sine of a sine of an angle is opposite over hypotenuse
More examples
- Divide the opposite side by the hypotenuse to find the sine.
- She uses a calculator to find the sine of twenty degrees.
- The law of sines helps us solve triangles without right angles.
Forms
sine · sines
sinusoidal adjective — Having the shape of a sine wave.