ovals of Cassini

ovals of Cas·​si·​ni

-kəˈsēnē,

-ka-,

-kȧ-

: a curve that is the locus of points of the vertex of a triangle whose opposite side is fixed and the product of whose adjacent sides is a constant and that has the equation [(x + a)² + y²] [(x − a)² + y²] − k⁴ = 0 where k is the constant and a is one half the length of the fixed side

Word History

Etymology

after G.D. Cassini †1712 French astronomer

First Known Use

1837, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!