Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
catacaustic

catacaustic

9.9
A curve made by light rays reflected from a curved surface
  • noun
  • /ˌkætəˈkɔːstɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : catacaústica
  • A coffee cup can create a visible catacaustic pattern when light shines on it.

Examples

  • The shape of the catacaustic depends on the geometry of the reflecting surface.

  • He studied how the catacaustic changes when the mirror's curvature is altered.

  • The catacaustic of a parabolic mirror is fascinating.

  • Can you explain what a catacaustic is?

  • A coffee cup can create a visible catacaustic pattern when light shines on it.

  • He studied how the catacaustic changes when the mirror's curvature is altered.

  • The shape of the catacaustic depends on the geometry of the reflecting surface.

Synonyms

caustic
vscatacaustic
  • Specialized
9.8

Bright pattern that light makes when it reflects from or passes through a curved surface

is formed only by reflected rays rather than also by refracted rays

Surface Forms

catacaustic singular
catacaustics plural

Morphology

catacaustic = caustic (opaque) = cata + caustic

The form is clearly cata- + caustic, but the meaning is highly technical and the prefix 'cata-' is not a productive everyday prefix for learners.

Etymology

Catacaustic comes from Greek parts cata- meaning 'down' and caustic, the root of the English word caustic, meaning 'to burn'. A catacaustic is the bright curve made when light rays reflect from a surface and come together to focus the light, so the origin helps you remember it is the curve of reflected rays.