geodesic
/ˌd͡ʒiː.əˈdɛs.ɪk/ noun, adjective
Forms geodesics
- noun (geometry) The shortest curve between two points on a specific surface.
- noun (spherical geometry) A segment of a great circle.
- noun (mathematics, sciences) A course allowing the parallel-transport of vectors along a course that causes tangent vectors to remain tangent vectors throughout that course (a straight curve, a line that is straight).
- adjective Of or relating to geodesy.
- adjective Of or relating to a geodesic dome.
Synonyms
Etymology
From French géodésique. By surface analysis, geodesy + -ic.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Of or pertaining to geodetic.
- noun A geodetic line or curve.
Etymology [Cf. F. géodésique.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “geodesic”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details