loxodromic noun & adjective. [lɒksǝ'drɒmɪk] L17.
[French loxodromique, from Greek loxos oblique + dromos course: see -IC.]
Nautical & Math.
A. noun.
1. A loxodromic line or table. L17.
2. In pl. The art or practice of sailing to a constant compass bearing. E18.
B. adjective. Of or pertaining to motion or alignment at a constant angle to the meridians, esp. sailing by the rhumb (on a constant compass bearing). E18.
loxodromic curve, loxodromic line, loxodromic spiral a rhumb-line, a path which cuts the meridians at a constant angle (not a right angle).

■ loxodrome ['lɒksǝdrǝʊm] noun a loxodromic line, a rhumb-line L19.

■ loxodromism noun the tracing of or movement in a loxodromic line or curve M19.

■ loxodromy [lɒk'sɒdrǝmi] noun loxodromism; loxodromics; a loxodrome: M17.

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