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Glite Dictionary
figure 8

figure 8

1 3.6
A shape made of two loops that cross in the middle like the number eight
  • noun
  • /ˈfɪɡjər eɪt/
translation icon : figura ocho
  • I could also see a figure 8 stretching across the timelines, healing the present-day energy, and it heals all the energy, all the uncried tears through all the timelines.
  • figure 8 pattern
  • form a figure 8

Examples

  • What is interesting is that this morning, as I type this all out, I can see the figure 8 laying across the expanse of time on the ground, flowing a soft yellow gold.

    Blog text (14)

  • A crank was a small cast-iron piece shaped something like the figure 8.

    Academic text (2012)

  • Elements labeled 34 are fuel assemblies, one of which is shown in detail in Wigner's figure 8.

    Academic text (2002)

  • The island had the form of a figure 8; the larger loop was connected to the smaller by the narrow isthmus of Teravao.

    Fiction book (1991)

  • He again chose a huge figure 8 across the entire arena, but then, interestingly, chose to do a number of 10-15 meter circles to the left, which is at the moment his stiffer side.

    Blog text (11)

  • The artist drew a large figure 8 on the canvas to show the movement of the dancers.

  • During the lesson, we practiced the figure 8 pattern on the ice to improve our skating skills.

  • The logo of the brand features a distinctive figure 8 design that symbolizes continuity.

Synonyms

figure eight
vsfigure 8
1 2.8

A flat shape with two loops joined like the number eight

has loops that cross in the middle rather than just join
figure of eight
vsfigure 8
4.8

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

emphasizes crossing at the center over being made by one continuous line
lemniscate
vsfigure 8
  • Specialized
9.9

A curve shaped like a figure eight often used in math

is the general visual shape rather than a technical mathematical term

Surface Forms

figure 8 singular
figure 8s plural

Morphology

figure + eight

The meaning 'a shape consisting of two loops crossing resembling the number eight' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'figure' (a shape) with 'eight' (the numeral); a B1 learner who knows both words can infer the intended shape. This compositional, descriptive naming is cross-linguistically common and follows normal noun + numeral patterns, so the expression is immediately comprehensible.

Etymology

Figure 8 comes from the shape of the written number 8, which has two loops that cross in the middle. People began calling a path or movement that makes that same double loop a figure 8, so today it means 'a curve with two loops'.