Lissajous figure

American  

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

noun

Physics.

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

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Lissajous figure British  

/ ˈliːsəˌʒuː, ˌliːsəˈʒuː /

noun

1. 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

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Etymology

Origin of Lissajous figure

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

Example Sentences

“No, never the same. It moves above the horizon in what is called a Lissajous figure, meaning an irregular circle within a rectangular space. It’s a little different every time, but it always comes up some- where over that rise, and goes down over the hill to the left of it.”

From The Verge