Definition

Related to a specific type of curve formed by the path traced by a point on the circumference of a circle that rolls around the outside of another circle.

Example

The gears in the machine were designed using epicycloidal shapes to improve efficiency.

Conversation

Have you ever seen an epicycloidal pattern in nature?

I don't think so. What does that look like?

It's really interesting; it kind of resembles the shapes of some flower petals.

Oh, that sounds beautiful! I’d love to see some examples.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Epicycloidal → It is formed from "epi-" (meaning upon or over) and "cycloid" (from Greek "kyklos", meaning circle, and "eidos", meaning form or shape). The term describes a curve traced by a point on the circumference of a circle that rolls around the outside of another circle, hence the meaning of a shape that is formed over a circle.

Memory Tip

Think of a circle 'rolling over' ('epi-') another circle, creating a unique shape — that's what epicycloidal means.

Visually Confused Words