Word Study
trochoid
CIDE DICTIONARY
trochoid, n. [Gr. a wheel + -oid; cf. F. trochoïde. See Troche.].
The curve described by any point in a wheel rolling on a line; a cycloid; a roulette; in general, the curve described by any point fixedly connected with a moving curve while the moving curve rolls without slipping on a second fixed curve, the curves all being in one plane. Cycloids, epicycloids, hypocycloids, cardioids, etc., are all trochoids. [1913 Webster]
trochoid, a.
- Admitting of rotation on an axis; -- sometimes applied to a pivot joint like that between the atlas and axis in the vertebral column. [1913 Webster]
- Top-shaped; having a flat base and conical spire; -- said of certain shells. [1913 Webster]
- Of or pertaining to the genus Trochus or family
Trochidæ . [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
trochoid, adj. & n.
--adj.
1 Anat. rotating on its own axis.
2 Geom. (of a curve) traced by a point on a radius of a circle rotating along a straight line or another circle.
--n. a trochoid joint or curve.
--adj.
1 Anat. rotating on its own axis.
2 Geom. (of a curve) traced by a point on a radius of a circle rotating along a straight line or another circle.
--n. a trochoid joint or curve.
Derivative
trochoidal adj.
Etymology
Gk trokhoeides wheel-like f. trokhos wheel
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