cardioid

[ kahr-dee-oid ]

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a somewhat heart-shaped curve, being the path of a point on a circle that rolls externally, without slipping, on another equal circle. Equation: r = a (1−cosA).

cardioid

/ ˈkɑːdɪˌɔɪd /

noun

1. a heart-shaped curve generated by a fixed point on a circle as it rolls around another fixed circle of equal radius, a. Equation: r = a (1 – cos φ), where r is the radius vector and φ is the polar angle

cardioid

/ kär′dē-oid′ /

1. A heart-shaped plane curve, the locus of a fixed point on a circle that rolls on the circumference of another circle with the same radius.

Word History and Origins

Origin of cardioid¹

First recorded in 1745–55, cardioid is from the Greek word kardioeidḗs heart-shaped. See cardi-, -oid

Example Sentences

This cardioid condenser mic is great for podcasting and streaming, and it comes with a small desktop tripod.

From The Verge

This broadcast-quality dynamic mic features a cardioid polar pattern to isolate your voice — helpful in the studio as well as your home setup.

From The Verge

The most significant difference is the type of microphone being used: to help reduce background noise, it’s now a cardioid unidirectional mic that’s designed to only pick up sound coming from wherever it’s pointed.

From The Verge

This model also features built-in microphones, so you won’t have to resort to using the large, detachable cardioid mic for making calls.

From The Verge

Razer claims that its hypercardioid condenser is better than most other cardioid microphones at focusing on your voice while blocking out other noises.

From The Verge