What's the meaning of the Degree Symbol »

Degree Symbol

This page is about the meaning, origin and characteristic of the symbol, emblem, seal, sign, logo or flag: Degree Symbol.

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The degree symbol (°) is a typographical symbol that is used, among other things, to represent degrees of arc (e.g. in geographic coordinate systems), hours (in the medical field), or degrees of temperature. The symbol consists of a small raised circle, historically a zero glyph.

The first known recorded modern use of the degree symbol in mathematics is from 1569[1] where the usage clearly shows that the symbol is a small raised zero, to match the prime symbol notation of sexagesimal subdivisions of degree such as minute ′, second ″, and tertiawhich originates as small raised Roman numerals.

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Graphical characteristics:
Symmetric, Closed shape, Monochrome, Contains curved lines, Has no crossing lines.

Category: Language Symbols.

Degree Symbol is part of the Punctuation group.

More symbols in Punctuation:

Punctuation marks are symbols that indicate the structure and organization of written language, as well as intonation and pauses to be observed when reading aloud. In written English, punctuation is… read more »

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