Sine

/saɪn/

noun

In mathematics, it is a function of an angle in a right triangle which equals the length of the side opposite the angle divided by the length of the hypotenuse.

To calculate the height of the mountain, I used the sine of the angle of elevation and the distance from the mountain.

Technical

Definition 1 of 2

Pro Tip 1/3

Understand that 'sine' is fundamental in trigonometry, a branch of mathematics dealing with angles and sides of triangles.

The sine of 90 degrees is always 1.

Pro Tip 2/3

'Sine' in mathematics expresses a ratio, not just any number, which helps to understand various geometrical relationships.

We need the sine of this angle to find the ratio of side lengths.

Pro Tip 3/3

Besides right triangles, 'sine' extends to functions graphed as waves, used in physics, engineering, and signal processing.

The graph of the sine function resembles ocean waves.

cosinecurvetangentwave

Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!

As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.