lituus

[ lit-yoo-uh s ]
/ ˈlɪt yu əs /

noun, plural lit·u·i [lit-yoo-ahy] /ˈlɪt yuˌaɪ/.

Geometry. a polar curve generated by the locus of a point moving so that the square of its radius vector varies inversely as the angle the radius vector makes with the polar axis. Equation: θr2 = a.
(in ancient Rome) a crook-shaped staff used by augurs for divination.

Origin of lituus

1605–15; < Latin; geometrical sense from the curve's resemblance to such a staff

Example sentences from the Web for lituus