Secant, n. [Cf. F.
sécante. See Secant, a.]
1. (Geom.) A line that cuts another;
especially, a straight line cutting a curve in two or more
points.
2. (Trig.) A right line drawn from the
center of a circle through one end of a circular arc, and terminated
by a tangent drawn from the other end; the number expressing the ratio
of this line to the radius of the circle. See Trigonometrical
function, under Function.
Se"cant (sē"kănt), a. [L.
secans, -antis, p. pr. of secare to cut. See
Section.] Cutting; dividing into two parts; as, a
secant line.