SEXAGESIMAL Meaning and
Definition
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Sexagesimal is an adjective referring to a numeral system that has a base of sixty. It is derived from the Latin word "sexaginta," meaning sixty. In this system, numbers are expressed using sixty as the base unit, with subsequent units extending to sixty as well.
The sexagesimal system was historically used by various ancient civilizations such as the Sumerians and Babylonians. It had a profound impact on measurement systems, as it influenced the division of circle degrees into sixty minutes and minutes to sixty seconds, which are still used in modern-day geography and navigation.
In mathematics, the sexagesimal system is significant in trigonometry, where the division of a circle into 360 degrees is a product of this base sixty system.
In modern usage, sexagesimal provides a way to represent time. It is used in certain contexts, particularly in astronomy and horology, to express hours, minutes, and seconds. This sexagesimal representation follows a convention where sixty seconds make a minute, sixty minutes make an hour, and twenty-four hours make a day.
Overall, sexagesimal refers to a numerical system based on sixty, which has played crucial roles in ancient and modern mathematics, timekeeping, and the measurement of angles.
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Pert. to the number sixty; computed or proceeding by sixties.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for SEXAGESIMAL
Etymology of SEXAGESIMAL
The word "sexagesimal" has its roots in Latin and ultimately derives from the Ancient Greek language. It is composed of two Latin elements: "sexaginta", meaning "sixty", and "alis", meaning "related to".
The term "sexagesimal" refers to a number system based on sixty, or a base-60 numeral system. It is widely associated with ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians and the Mayans, who used a sexagesimal system for measurements and calculations.
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