osculating plane

American  

noun

Mathematics.

1. the plane containing the circle of curvature of a point on a given curve.

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Etymology

Origin of osculating plane

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

Suppose we form a circle in the osculating plane of C at point P on the curve.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

Lat, the plane determined by the vectors T and N forms the osculating plane of C at any point P on the curve.

From Textbooks • Mar. 30, 2016

That is to say, the osculating plane at any point of a geodetic line contains the normal to the surface at that point.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6 "Geodesy" to "Geometry" by Various

When a point of such a curve is given, the osculating plane is determined, hence all the curves through a given point with the same tangent have the same torsion.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6 "Geodesy" to "Geometry" by Various

The position and velocity being given in all three co-ordinates, a certain osculating plane is determined for each instant in which the planet is moving at that instant.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 2, Slice 7 "Arundel, Thomas" to "Athens" by Various