What is "loxodrome"

n. 1 (context mathematics English) A line on a surface (such as the Earth) that cuts all meridians at a constant angle (but not a right angle). 2 (context nautical English) A line which crosses successive meridians at a constant angle, the path followed by a ship or aircraft that maintains a constant course by the compass.

n. a line on a sphere that cuts all meridians at the same angle; the path taken by a ship or plane that maintains a constant compass direction [syn: rhumb line, rhumb]