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lemniscate

[ lem-nis-kit, lem-nis-keyt, -kit ]

noun

, Analytic Geometry.
  1. a plane curve generated by the locus of the point at which a variable tangent to a rectangular hyperbola intersects a perpendicular from the center to the tangent. Equation: r 2 = 2 a 2 cosθ.


lemniscate

/ ˈlɛmnɪskɪt /

noun

  1. a closed plane curve consisting of two symmetrical loops meeting at a node. Equation: ( x ² + y ²)² = a ²( x ² – y ²), where a is the greatest distance from the curve to the origin. The symbol for infinity (∞) is an example
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of lemniscate1

First recorded in 1775–85, lemniscate is from the Latin word lēmniscātus adorned with ribbons. See lemniscus, -ate 1

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Lemnianlemniscus