osculation

American  

[os-kyuh-ley-shuhn] / ˌɒs kyəˈleɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of kissing.

2. a kiss.

3. close contact.

4. Geometry. the contact between two osculating curves or the like.

---

osculation British  

/ ˌɒskjʊˈleɪʃən, ˈɒskjʊlətərɪ, -trɪ /

noun

1. Also called: tacnode.  maths a point at which two branches of a curve have a common tangent, each branch extending in both directions of the tangent

2. rare the act or an instance of kissing

---

Other Word Forms

• osculatory adjective

Etymology

Origin of osculation

1650–60; < Latin ōsculātiōn- (stem of ōsculātiō ) a kissing, equivalent to ōsculāt ( us ) ( osculate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

One of the play's more memorable exchanges directly engages the all-important subject of theatrical osculation.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 15, 2016

On the same day I saw “Vanya,” I was treated to a more optimistic act of osculation in the afternoon.

From New York Times • Aug. 11, 2011

Acts of osculation have of course been known to sweep people off their feet.

From New York Times • Jun. 26, 2011

She has co-starred in Andy Warhol's film of uninterrupted osculation, The Kiss, and shown up at black-tie museum openings wearing such outfits as a silver snakeskin pants suit.

From Time Magazine Archive

I overtook him in Cartagena, endured the process of osculation, saw him without rhime or reason wrangle with and publicly insult our Consul there.

From The Life of George Borrow by Jenkins, Herbert George