lemniscate

American  

[lem-nis-kit, lem-nis-keyt, -kit] / lɛmˈnɪs kɪt, ˈlɛm nɪsˌkeɪt, -kɪt /

noun

Analytic Geometry.

1. a plane curve generated by the locus of the point at which a variable tangent to a rectangular hyperbola intersects a perpendicular from the center to the tangent. Equation: r 2 = 2 a 2 cosθ.

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lemniscate British  

/ ˈlɛmnɪskɪt /

noun

1. a closed plane curve consisting of two symmetrical loops meeting at a node. Equation: ( x ² + y ²)² = a ²( x ² – y ²), where a is the greatest distance from the curve to the origin. The symbol for infinity (∞) is an example

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Etymology

Origin of lemniscate

First recorded in 1775–85, lemniscate is from the Latin word lēmniscātus adorned with ribbons. See lemniscus, -ate ¹