Lissajous figure

[ lee-suh-zhoo, lee-suh-zhoo ]
/ ˈli səˌʒu, ˌli səˈʒu /

noun Physics.

the series of plane curves traced by an object executing two mutually perpendicular harmonic motions.

Origin of Lissajous figure

1875–80; named after Jules A. Lissajous (1822–80), French physicist

British Dictionary definitions for lissajous figure

Lissajous figure
/ (ˈliːsəˌʒuː, ˌliːsəˈʒuː) /

noun

a curve traced out by a point that undergoes two simple harmonic motions in mutually perpendicular directions. The shape of these curves is characteristic of the relative phases and frequencies of the motion; they are used to determine the frequencies and phases of alternating voltages

Word Origin for Lissajous figure

C19: named after Jules A. Lissajous (1822–80), French physicist