Rhumb

(rum.) [From Gr. rhombos.] (Navig.) A circle on the earth's surface, forming an angle with the meridian of a given place, and marking the direction of an object through which it pa es. The term also designates one of the divisions on the card of a compa . Rhumb-line, or Lozodromic curve, denotes that track pursued by a ship which cuts all the meridians at the same angle. Being the simplest curve, it is the route usually kept at sea; but a ship sailing on it never looks direct for her port until it comes in sight. [s. 768]