ovals of Cassini

ovals of Cas·si·ni

-kəˈsēnē,

-ka-,

-kȧ-

: a curve that is the locus of points of the vertex of a triangle whose opposite side is fixed and the product of whose adjacent sides is a constant and that has the equation [(x + a)² + y²] [(x − a)² + y²] − k⁴ = 0 where k is the constant and a is one half the length of the fixed side

Word History

Etymology

after G.D. Cassini †1712 French astronomer

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ovals of Cassini was in 1837

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ovals of Cassini.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ovals%20of%20Cassini. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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