[ 'si:k(ə)nt , 'sɛk- ]
■ noun
1》 Mathematics the ratio of the hypotenuse (in a right-angled triangle) to the shorter side adjacent to an acute angle.
2》 Geometry a straight line that cuts a curve in two or more parts.
Origin
C16; from Fr. sécante , based on L. secare 'to cut'.