angle of repose

1
physics : the angle that the plane of contact between two bodies makes with the horizontal when the upper body is just on the point of sliding : the angle whose tangent is the coefficient of friction between the two bodies
2
or angle of rest : the angle of maximum slope at which a heap of any loose solid material (as earth) will stand without sliding compare angle of slide

Word History

First Known Use

1807, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of angle of repose was in 1807

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near angle of repose

Cite this Entry

“Angle of repose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/angle%20of%20repose. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!