rhumb

Noun

WordNet 3.0

Noun (1)

a line on a sphere that cuts all meridians at the same angle; the path taken by a ship or plane that maintains a constant compass directionSynonyms: rhumb line loxodrome

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Rhumb \Rhumb\, n. [F. rumb, Sp. rumbo, or Pg. rumbo, rumo, probably fr. Gr. ??? a magic wheel, a whirling motion, hence applied to a point of the compass. See Rhomb.] (Navigation) A line which crosses successive meridians at a constant angle; -- called also rhumb line, and loxodromic curve. See Loxodromic. [1913 Webster]

To sail on a rhumb, to sail continuously on one course, following a rhumb line. [1913 Webster]