Cornu spiral
noun
Cor·nu spiral
\(ˈ)kȯr¦n(y)ü-\
Definition of Cornu spiral
: a spiral of two oppositely coiled branches obtained by plotting as abscissas and ordinates respectively the corresponding values of a certain two integrals and used to afford graphical solution of various problems in diffraction of light
Read the Latest from M-W
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of cornu spiral
after Marie Alfred Cornu †1902 French physicist
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up Cornu spiral? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!