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evolute

American  
[ev-uh-loot, ee-vuh-] / ˈɛv əˌlut, ˈi və- /

noun

Geometry.
  1. the locus of the centers of curvature of, or the envelope of the normals to, another curve.


evolute British  
/ ˈɛvəˌluːt /

noun

  1. a geometric curve that describes the locus of the centres of curvature of another curve (the involute ). The tangents to the evolute are at right angles to the involute

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. biology having the margins rolled outwards

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of evolute

1720–30; < Latin ēvolūtus (past participle of ēvolvere to roll out, unfold, evolve )


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Both of these liquids have specific pericosities given by P = 2.5C.n^6-7 where n is the diathetical evolute of retrograde temperature phase disposition and C is Cholmondeley's annular grillage coefficient.

From Time Magazine Archive

These names are given to the curves because the end of a stretched thread unwound from the evolute will describe the involute.

From The New Gresham Encyclopedia Volume 4, Part 3: Estremoz to Felspar by Various

"Now, you see," said Pee-wee, "how a good turn can evolute."

From Tom Slade at Temple Camp by Percy Keese Fitzhugh

Secondary caustics are orthotomic curves having the reflected or refracted rays as normals, and consequently the proper caustic curve, being the envelope of the normals, is their evolute.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 5 "Cat" to "Celt" by Various

Surely, they'd never train you to evolute in squadrons.

From The Last Shot by Frederick Palmer

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