geodesic Definition
- 1the shortest line between two points on a mathematically defined surface, often used to describe the shape of domes and other structures
- 2relating to or denoting the shortest possible line between two points on a sphere or other curved surface
Using geodesic: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "geodesic" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The geodesic dome was invented by Buckminster Fuller.
Example
Geodesic lines are used in navigation to determine the shortest distance between two points on the Earth's surface.
Example
The geodesic curvature of a surface is the curvature of a curve that lies on the surface and is everywhere tangent to a geodesic.
geodesic Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for geodesic
- shortest distance
- straight line
- direct route
Phrases with geodesic
a spherical or partial-spherical shell structure based on a network of geodesics on the surface of a sphere
Example
The Epcot Center at Disney World features a large geodesic dome.
Example
The great circle is an example of a geodesic line on the Earth's surface.
the curvature of a curve that lies on a surface and is everywhere tangent to a geodesic
Example
The geodesic curvature of a sphere is zero.
Origins of geodesic
from Greek 'geo-' meaning 'earth' and 'daisukein' meaning 'to divide'
Summary: geodesic in Brief
The term 'geodesic' [ˌdʒiːəʊˈdesɪk] refers to the shortest line between two points on a mathematically defined surface. It is used to describe the shape of domes and other structures. Geodesic lines are used in navigation to determine the shortest distance between two points on the Earth's surface. The geodesic curvature of a surface is the curvature of a curve that lies on the surface and is everywhere tangent to a geodesic.
