cos (B2)

noun

Pronunciation: /kɒs/

Definition

A trigonometric function that, in a right-angled triangle, is the ratio of the side adjacent to an acute angle to the hypotenuse.

Examples

• The cosine of 60 degrees is 0.5.

• We used the law of cosines to find the length of the third side.

• Calculating the cosine of the angle is essential for this physics problem.

How to Use cos

cosine of (prepositional phrase)

Referring to the cosine value for a specific angle. — "The cosine of 90 degrees is 0."

law of cosines (collocation)

A formula relating the lengths of the sides of a triangle to the cosine of one of its angles. — "Using the law of cosines, we can determine the length of any side if we know the other two sides and the included angle."

Synonyms of cos

Words with a similar meaning to cos:

• cosine
• cos.

Antonyms of cos

Words with the opposite meaning to cos:

• sine
• tangent

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