osculating circle

Definitions of osculating circle
  1. noun
    the circle that touches a curve (on the concave side) and whose radius is the radius of curvature
    synonyms: circle of curvature
    see moresee less
    type of:
    circle
    ellipse in which the two axes are of equal length; a plane curve generated by one point moving at a constant distance from a fixed point
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘osculating circle'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family