1 limaçon | Definition of limaçon

limaçon

noun
li·​ma·​çon | \ ˌlē-mə-ˈsōⁿ How to pronounce limaçon (audio) \

Definition of limaçon

: 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

First Known Use of limaçon

1873, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for limaçon

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

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on limaçon

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with limaçon