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.

Rate this symbol:4.0 / 1 vote

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 tertia ‴ which originates as small raised Roman numerals.

1,913 Views

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 »

More symbols in Language Symbols:

Have a discussion about Degree Symbol with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add this symbol to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Degree Symbol." Symbols.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 3 Dec. 2024. <https://www.symbols.com/symbol/degree-symbol>.

    We need you!

    Are we missing an important symbol in this category?

    Graphical Index

    Use our unique search feature to find a symbol based on its various graphical characteristics:


    • Symmetry:
    • Shape:
    • Colors:
    • Curveness:
    • Crossing:

    Quiz

    Are you a world flags master?

    »
    A Grenada
    B Botswana
    C Chad
    D New Caledonia