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Glite Dictionary
pedal curve

pedal curve

9.9
A curve formed by points where perpendiculars from a fixed point meet a curve's tangents
  • noun
  • /ˈpɛdəl kɜrv/
  • Specialized
translation icon : curva pedal
  • The pedal curve of a circle with respect to its center is another circle.

Examples

  • The construction of a pedal curve often involves calculating perpendicular distances from a point to various tangents.

  • Mathematicians study the properties of a pedal curve to understand more complex geometric relationships.

  • The pedal curve is essential in understanding the geometry of motion.

  • Can you explain the concept of a pedal curve?

  • Mathematicians study the properties of a pedal curve to understand more complex geometric relationships.

  • The pedal curve of a circle with respect to its center is another circle.

  • The construction of a pedal curve often involves calculating perpendicular distances from a point to various tangents.

Surface Forms

pedal curve singular
pedal curves plural

Morphology

pedal + curve

Although 'pedal' ultimately relates to 'foot' and 'curve' to a geometric line, the technical sense ('foot of a perpendicular' traced to form a curve) is specialized and not directly inferable from the common B1 meaning of 'pedal' as a lever pressed with the foot. The morphological link to 'foot' is present but etymological/technical, so learners who only know the everyday constituents are unlikely to predict the precise geometric definition without prior exposure.

Etymology

Pedal curve gets its name from pedal meaning 'foot' and the image of a 'foot' touching the curve's lines. Imagine a fixed point dropping a little 'foot' straight onto each 'tangent' of the curve; the spots where the 'feet' touch make the pedal curve, so the name means the path traced by those 'feet'.