Definitions for radius vectorvɛkˈtɔr iz, -ˈtoʊr-
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
ra′dius vec′torvɛkˈtɔr iz, -ˈtoʊr-(n.)(pl.)radii vec•to•res; radius vectors.
Math. the length of the line segment joining a fixed point or origin to a given point.
Category: Math
Astron. the straight line joining two bodies in relative orbital motion, as the line from the sun to a planet at any point in its orbit. the distance between two such bodies at any point in the orbit.
Category: Astronomy
Origin of radius vector:
1745–55
Princeton's WordNet
radius vector(noun)
a line connecting a satellite to the center of the body around which it is rotating
radius vector(noun)
a line connecting a point in space to the origin of a polar coordinate system
Webster Dictionary
Radius vector(u)
a straight line (or the length of such line) connecting any point, as of a curve, with a fixed point, or pole, round which the straight line turns, and to which it serves to refer the successive points of a curve, in a system of polar coordinates. See Coordinate, n
Radius vector(noun)
an ideal straight line joining the center of an attracting body with that of a body describing an orbit around it, as a line joining the sun and a planet or comet, or a planet and its satellite
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