great circle

Definition

A circle defined as the intersection of the surface of a sphere and a plane which passes through the centre of the sphere.

Example Sentences

• "Wherever a navigator may be, it certainly would be to his advantage to be able to find the great circle, or shortest course, and the distance, to his port of destination, [....]"
• "The shortest distance between two points on an ocean Mercator chart is not a straight line - it is a curve known as a 'great circle'."
• "Because the Earth's surface is curved, the shortest distance is actually a curve over the surface called a great circle."