What characterizes a secant line in relation to a circle?

A secant line is specifically defined as a line that intersects a circle at two distinct points. This means that it crosses through the circle, entering at one point and exiting at another, thereby creating two intersection points with the circumference of the circle. This characteristic distinguishes it from other types of lines associated with circles.

For example, a tangent line touches the circle at exactly one point, which is a different relationship altogether. Similarly, a line that contains the center of the circle may or may not intersect the circle at two points; its defining characteristic is its relation to the center, not the number of intersection points. Understanding these definitions clarifies why the secant's property of intersecting a circle at two points is fundamental to its identity.