limaçon

[ lim-uh-son ]

noun

, Geometry.

1. 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.

limaçon

/ ˈlɪməˌsɒn /

noun

1. 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 History and Origins

Origin of limaçon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of limaçon¹

French, literally: snail (so named by Pascal)