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lemniscate

lemniscate

9.9
A curve shaped like a figure eight often used in math
  • noun
  • /ˈlɛm.nɪ.skeɪt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : lemniscata
  • The mathematician drew a perfect lemniscate on the board to illustrate the concept.

Examples

  • The artist incorporated the elegant shape of a lemniscate into her abstract painting.

  • The lemniscate is a fascinating mathematical figure.

  • In calculus, a lemniscate can be described by a specific polar equation.

  • Can you draw a lemniscate on the board?

  • The graph of the lemniscate looked beautiful and intricate in the math textbook.

  • In mathematics, the lemniscate represents a path that curves around in the shape of an infinity symbol.

  • During the lecture, we learned that the lemniscate can be expressed using polar coordinates.

Synonyms

figure 8
vslemniscate
1 3.6

A shape made of two loops that cross in the middle like the number eight

is a specific algebraic plane curve used in mathematics
figure eight
vslemniscate
1 2.8

A flat shape with two loops joined like the number eight

is the algebraic curve form of that looped shape used in equations
figure of eight
vslemniscate
4.8

A shape like the number eight made by one line crossing itself

is the formal mathematical curve, not only a drawn continuous pattern

Surface Forms

lemniscate singular
lemniscates plural

Etymology

Lemniscate comes from the Greek lēmniskos, meaning 'ribbon'. Think of a ribbon tied into a figure eight or the infinity sign — that's why a lemniscate names the figure-eight curve used in math.