hodograph

[ hod-uh-graf, -grahf ]

noun

, Mathematics, Mechanics.

1. the figure described by the extremity of a vector that has a fixed origin and a position vector equal to the velocity of a moving particle.

hodograph

/ ˈhɒdəˌɡrɑːf; -ɡræf /

noun

1. a curve of which the radius vector represents the velocity of a moving particle

Derived Forms

• ˌhodoˈgraphic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hodograph¹

1840–50; < Greek hod ( ós ) way + -o- + -graph

Word History and Origins

Origin of hodograph¹

C19: from Greek hodos way + -graph

Example Sentences

This method is indeed indicated at § 37, but no diagram is given, and the properties of the hodograph are investigated by means of Cartesians.

From Project Gutenberg

For applications of the hodograph to the solution of kinematical problems see Mechanics.

From Project Gutenberg

If a point be in motion in any orbit and with any velocity, and if, at each instant, a line be drawn from a fixed point parallel and equal to the velocity of the moving point at that instant, the extremities of these lines will lie on a curve called the hodograph.

From Project Gutenberg

Every orbit must clearly have a hodograph, and, conversely, every hodograph a corresponding orbit; and, theoretically speaking, it is possible to deduce the one from the other, having given the other circumstances of the motion.

From Project Gutenberg

From this definition we have the following important fundamental property which belongs to all hodographs, viz. that at any point the tangent to the hodograph is parallel to the direction, and the velocity in the hodograph equal to the magnitude of the resultant acceleration at the corresponding point of the orbit.

From Project Gutenberg