Definitions for "Secant"
Cutting; dividing into two parts; as, a secant line.
A line that cuts another; especially, a straight line cutting a curve in two or more points.
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.
For any acute angle in a right triangle, the ratio of the length of the hypotenuse, to the length of the side adjacent. Sec x = 1/cos x
(trig) Ratio of the hypotenuse to the adjacent side of a right-angled triangle