sinusoidal

American  

[sahy-nuh-soid-l] / ˌsaɪ nəˈsɔɪd l /

adjective

1. Mathematics. of or relating to a sinusoid.

2. having a magnitude that varies as the sine of an independent variable.

   a sinusoidal current.

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sinusoidal British  

/ ˌsaɪnəˈsɔɪdəl /

adjective

1. maths of or relating to a sine curve

2. physics having a magnitude that varies as a sine curve

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Other Word Forms

• sinusoidally adverb

Etymology

Origin of sinusoidal

First recorded in 1875–80; sinusoid + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Josephson tunnel junctions consist of two superconductors with a thin insulating barrier in-between and, for decades, these circuit elements have been described with a simple sinusoidal model.

From Science Daily • Feb. 14, 2024

The new models offered a peek at the underlying pathology, illuminating the roles of hepatic stellate and liver sinusoidal endothelial cells in the disease process.

From Science Daily • Jan. 23, 2024

One model put forth in 1990 assumed riders rock backward and forward at a constant frequency in simple sinusoidal motion—meaning the movement makes the shape of a sine wave in time.

From Science Magazine • Apr. 6, 2023

Outside temperatures over the course of a day can be modeled as a sinusoidal function.

From Textbooks • Dec. 1, 2021

By attaching a fine point to the end of the bar and moving under this bar at a uniform rate, as it vibrates, a smoke-blackened paper, a sinusoidal curve is traced on the paper.

From Manhood of Humanity. by Korzybski, Alfred