Definition:Angle/Unit/Minute

Definition

The minute (of arc) is a measurement of plane angles, symbolized by $'$.

\(\ds \)

\(\)

\(\ds 1\)

minute

\(\ds \)

\(=\)

\(\ds 60\)

seconds

\(\ds \)

\(=\)

\(\ds \dfrac 1 {60}\)

degree of arc (by definition)

Also known as

A minute of arc is also known as an arc minute.

Historical Note

The division of the degrees into $60$ subdivisions originates from the Babylonians, who used a sexagesimal (base $60$) system for the purposes of mathematics and astronomy.

Linguistic Note

The word minute, in the context of the measurement both of time and of angle, derives from its initial definition as a minute part of an hour or of a degree of arc.

In this context the word minute (meaning: the aggregation of $60$ seconds) is pronounced min-it.

The word minute (as used in the phrase minute part) is pronounced my-nyoot and means small.

So the fact that the two words are spelt identically is not a coincidence.

Sources

• 1989: Ephraim J. Borowski and Jonathan M. Borwein: Dictionary of Mathematics ... (previous) ... (next): arc: 3.
• Weisstein, Eric W. "Arc Minute." From MathWorld--A Wolfram Web Resource. https://mathworld.wolfram.com/ArcMinute.html