limaçon

noun

li·​ma·​çon ˌlē-mə-ˈsōⁿ How to pronounce limaçon (audio)
: a plane curve whose equation in polar coordinates has one of the forms ρ = a cos θ ± b or ρ = a sin θ ± b and which reduces to a cardioid when a = b

Word History

Etymology

French, literally, snail, from Old French, diminutive of limaz slug, snail, from Latin limax; akin to Russian slimak snail and probably to Old English līm birdlime — more at lime

First Known Use

1873, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of limaçon was in 1873

Dictionary Entries Near limaçon

Cite this Entry

“Limaçon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lima%C3%A7on. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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