limaçon

[ lim-uh-son ]
/ ˈlɪm əˌsɒn /

noun Geometry.

a plane curve generated by the locus of a point on a line at a fixed distance from the point of intersection of the line with a fixed circle, as the line revolves about a point on the circumference of the circle. Equation: r = a cosθ + b.
Also called Pascal's limaçon.

Origin of limaçon

1575–85; < French: literally, snail, Old French, derivative of limaz < Latin līmācem, accusative of līmāx snail, slug

Words nearby limaçon

lima bean, limacine, liman, limassol, limavady, limaçon, limb, limb bud, limb lead, limb-girdle muscular dystrophy, limba

Example sentences from the Web for limacon

  • Up there, they suppose we have gone in the direction of the Limacon; but, below, they will see the contrary.

    Cinq Mars, Complete |Alfred de Vigny

British Dictionary definitions for limacon

limaçon
/ (ˈlɪməˌsɒn) /

noun

a heart-shaped curve generated by a point lying on a line at a fixed distance from the intersection of the line with a fixed circle, the line rotating about a point on the circumference of the circle

Word Origin for limaçon

French, literally: snail (so named by Pascal)