Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Plane \Plane\, a. [L. planus: cf. F. plan. See {Plan}, a.]
Without elevations or depressions; even; level; flat; lying
in, or constituting, a plane; as, a plane surface.
Note: In science, this word (instead of plain) is almost
exclusively used to designate a flat or level surface.
{Plane angle}, the angle included between two straight lines
in a plane.
{Plane chart}, {Plane curve}. See under {Chart} and {Curve}.
{Plane figure}, a figure all points of which lie in the same
plane. If bounded by straight lines it is a rectilinear
plane figure, if by curved lines it is a curvilinear plane
figure.
{Plane geometry}, that part of geometry which treats of the
relations and properties of plane figures.
{Plane problem}, a problem which can be solved geometrically
by the aid of the right line and circle only.
{Plane sailing} (Naut.), the method of computing a ship's
place and course on the supposition that the earth's
surface is a plane.
{Plane scale} (Naut.), a scale for the use of navigators, on
which are graduated chords, sines, tangents, secants,
rhumbs, geographical miles, etc.
{Plane surveying}, surveying in which the curvature of the
earth is disregarded; ordinary field and topographical
surveying of tracts of moderate extent.
{Plane table}, an instrument used for plotting the lines of a
survey on paper in the field.
{Plane trigonometry}, the branch of trigonometry in which its
principles are applied to plane triangles.
Problem \Prob"lem\, n. [F. probl[`e]me, L. problema, fr. Gr. ?
anything thrown forward, a question proposed for solution,
fr. ? to throw or lay before; ? before, forward + ? to throw.
Cf. {Parable}. ]
1. A question proposed for solution; a matter stated for
examination or proof; hence, a matter difficult of
solution or settlement; a doubtful case; a question
involving doubt. --Bacon.
2. (Math.) Anything which is required to be done; as, in
geometry, to bisect a line, to draw a perpendicular; or,
in algebra, to find an unknown quantity.
Note: Problem differs from theorem in this, that a problem is
something to be done, as to bisect a triangle, to
describe a circle, etc.; a theorem is something to be
proved, as that all the angles of a triangle are equal
to two right angles.
{Plane problem} (Geom.), a problem that can be solved by the
use of the rule and compass.
{Solid problem} (Geom.), a problem requiring in its geometric
solution the use of a conic section or higher curve.