# Definition:Angle/Unit/Minute

(Redirected from Definition:Minute of Arc)

## Definition

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

 $\displaystyle$  $\displaystyle 1$ minute $\displaystyle$ $=$ $\displaystyle 60$ seconds $\displaystyle$ $=$ $\displaystyle \dfrac 1 {60}$ 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 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.