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Glite Dictionary
unicursal

unicursal

1 9.9
A single line you can draw without lifting your pen
  • adjective
  • /ˈjunɪˌkɜrsl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : unicursal
  • The artist created a unicursal design that led viewers through a continuous journey without any interruptions.

Examples

  • These theories imagine the labyrinth as if scaled down and on paper; with a pen in hand, one surely could trace a unicursal path from beginning to end.

    Academic text (2011)

  • It should be noted that the labyrinth mosaics are unicursal, offering only a single route forward, and thus, even if the single path might be difficult

    Academic text (2011)

  • The maze was unicursal, allowing participants to navigate from the entrance to the exit without any forks in the road.

  • In the park, the unicursal trail provided a straightforward and relaxing walk through the scenic landscape.

Synonyms

unilinear
vsunicursal
  • Specialized
8.7

Following a single line or direction, like a path

is a single continuous path without branches or retracing
unbranched
vsunicursal
6.3

Having one main stem and no side growth

is a single continuous path that forbids retracing
nonintersecting
vsunicursal
  • Specialized
6.7

Lines and surfaces that never touch or cross at any point

is a single continuous path without branches or retracing
nonconvergent
vsunicursal
  • Specialized
9.3

Lines or flat surfaces that never touch each other

is a single continuous path without branches or retracing

Surface Forms

unicursal positive

Morphology

unicursal = uni + curs + al

The prefix 'uni-' ('one') is clear, but the root 'curs' (related to run/course) is obscure to many learners, so the full meaning is only partly transparent.

Etymology

Unicursal starts with uni- meaning 'one' and the rest is like the English word course, which means 'path'. So a unicursal line or design is one continuous path you can follow without branches or having to go back over it.