sinusoid

[ sahy-nuh-soid ]

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a curve described by the equation y = a sin x, the ordinate being proportional to the sine of the abscissa.

sinusoid

/ ˈsaɪnəˌsɔɪd /

noun

1. any of the irregular terminal blood vessels that replace capillaries in certain organs, such as the liver, heart, spleen, and pancreas
2. another name for sine curve

adjective

1. resembling a sinus

Word History and Origins

Origin of sinusoid¹

First recorded in 1815–25; sinus + -oid

Word History and Origins

Origin of sinusoid¹

C19: from French sinusoïde. See sinus , -oid