Definitions

1. verb

to extend or stretch out from a central point, especially to a greater extent than another

“The tree’s branches subtend the entire garden, providing shade and shelter.”

2. verb (intransitive)

to extend or stretch out, especially to a greater extent than another

“This vine subtends the trellis, covering it with its foliage.”

3. verb (transitive)

to be or extend to a certain angle or arc at the center of a circle or sphere

“The arc of the rainbow subtends 42 degrees in the sky.”

4. noun

the distance from the center of a circle or sphere to a point on the circumference, especially the arc of a great circle

“The subtend of the Earth’s equator is approximately 40,075 km.”