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conchoid

conchoid

1 9.9
A curve formed by points at a fixed distance from a given curve along lines from a fixed point
  • noun
  • /kɒnˈkɔɪd/
  • Specialized
: conchoide
  • The mathematician illustrated the properties of a conchoid by drawing it next to a straight line and a circle.

Examples

  • In geometry, the conchoid can be constructed using a fixed point and a given curve.

  • The mathematician drew a conchoid to illustrate the solution to the problem.

  • The limaçon of Pascal is a special case of a conchoid.

  • The conchoid has unique properties.

  • Can you explain what a conchoid is?

  • In her geometry class, she learned how to construct a conchoid using a fixed point and an existing curve.

  • The teacher explained that every point on the conchoid is at a constant distance from the given curve.

Compounds

conchoid of Nicomedes
  • Specialized
9.9

A curved line you get by marking points a fixed distance from a straight line measured from one point

Surface Forms

conchoid singular
conchoids plural

Morphology

conchoid = conch (semi-transparent) = concho + oid

The form literally combines 'conch' (shell) with '-oid' (like), so 'shell-like' is inferable, but the specific technical mathematical construction is specialized and not fully predictable for average learners.

Etymology

Conchoid comes from the Greek word konkhē meaning 'shell' and the ending -oid meaning 'like'. Think of a conch (a shell) to remember that a conchoid is a 'shell-like' curve, which is why the name fits this kind of curved shape in geometry.