cycloid

1 of 2

noun

cy·​cloid ˈsī-ˌklȯid How to pronounce cycloid (audio)
: a curve that is generated by a point on the circumference of a circle as it rolls along a straight line
cycloidal adjective

Illustration of cycloid

Illustration of cycloid

cycloid

2 of 2

adjective

1
: smooth with concentric lines of growth
cycloid scales
also : having or consisting of cycloid scales
2
: characterized by alternating high and low moods
a cycloid personality

Examples of cycloid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The model on display in the Museo Galileo allows one to test this result by building two tracks: one shaped like a cycloid, the other shaped like the arc of a circle, for comparison. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 17 May 2020 The solution is a cycloid, which is the curve created by a rolling wheel in a circle. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 17 May 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cycloid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

French cycloïde, from Greek kykloeidēs circular, from kyklos

First Known Use

Noun

1661, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1847, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cycloid was in 1661

Dictionary Entries Near cycloid

Cite this Entry

“Cycloid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cycloid. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

cycloid

noun
cy·​cloid
ˈsī-ˌklȯid
: a curve that is traced by a point on the circumference of a circle that is rolling along a straight line

Medical Definition

cycloid

1 of 2 noun
cy·​cloid ˈsī-ˌklȯid How to pronounce cycloid (audio)
: a cycloid individual

cycloid

2 of 2 adjective
: relating to, having, or being a personality characterized by alternating high and low moods compare cyclothymic

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