great circle

Definitions

1. A circle defined as the intersection of the surface of a sphere and a plane which passes through the centre of the sphere.
2. A segment of such circle representing the shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere.

Equivalents

Examples

“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.”

CEFR level