geodesic

1 of 2

adjective

geo·​de·​sic ˌjē-ə-ˈde-sik How to pronounce geodesic (audio) -ˈdē- How to pronounce geodesic (audio)
-zik
1
2
: made of light straight structural elements mostly in tension
a geodesic dome

geodesic

2 of 2

noun

: the shortest line between two points that lies in a given surface

Examples of geodesic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
Now, the two are launching their own space, Gallucci Tull, in a geodesic dome at Tull’s Encina Artist Residency in Topanga Canyon. Michael Slenske, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Feb. 2024 With their unobstructed views of the northern lights, the transparent geodesic domes have basically become the unofficial mascot of astro-tourism. Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 31 Oct. 2023 The designer, who’s debuting a line of portable lighting, looks to geodesic domes and bicycles. Kurt Soller, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2023 While the contents of the Salvador Dalí Museum are plenty interesting, the exterior architecture — a free-form geodesic glass bubble erupting from 18-inch-thick walls — is worth a visit in its own right. Skye Sherman, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2023 In an upstairs hallway, Ms. Phillips, who has done occasional promotional posts in exchange for Disney goods or tickets, painted a pattern reminiscent of Spaceship Earth, Epcot’s geodesic dome. Lia Picard, New York Times, 13 Oct. 2023 The boutique hotel has just 11 rooms, including seven geodesic domes and four observatory-style cabins. Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 1 Oct. 2023 For a more glamping experience, guests can stay in a small loft, and soon, an almost finished geodesic dome with an oceanfront patio. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 14 Aug. 2023 Vancouver’s oceanfront orb is a sight to see, but inside the geodesic dome is a multi-level space for science exploration that the kids (and parents!) are sure to enjoy. Bianca Bujan, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2023
Noun
In fact, for curved spaces, the shortest path is what’s known as a geodesic: the generalization of a straight, flat line to a curved space. Adrienne Bernhard, Popular Mechanics, 20 Mar. 2023 The third and highest floor, accessed via a spiral staircase, is the geodesic dome, surrounded by a wraparound timber deck. Emma Reynolds, Robb Report, 2 Feb. 2023 The first large-span geodesic dome to be erected in North America—Weatherbreak—will be reconstructed for a two-week period through a partnership with Catholic University. Roger Catlin, Smithsonian Magazine, 17 Jan. 2023 The city’s other hemispherical icon, the geodesic Gold Dome of Oklahoma City, still stands on Route 66. Dallas News, 27 Sep. 2022 The night culminated with a countdown as a glowing geodesic sphere 12 feet in diameter and weighing almost six tons descended from its lofty perch atop One Times Square. CBS News, 1 Jan. 2023 Just inside the Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park sits a clear geodesic structure, encased in wire mesh and filled with plants, tubes and canisters. New York Times, 1 July 2021 Repurposed billboards became casing for the geodesic dome; wood from defunct water towers became cabin walls. Zoë Lescaze, New York Times, 30 Sep. 2022 The visionary who brought the world the geodesic dome and the ‘Dymaxion House’ was a genius whose ideas didn’t always mesh with the world around him. Wsj Books Staff, WSJ, 30 Sep. 2022

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

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1883, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of geodesic was in 1821

Dictionary Entries Near geodesic

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

geodesic

adjective
geo·​de·​sic
ˌjē-ə-ˈdes-ik,
-ˈdēs-,
-ˈdez-,
-ˈdēz-
: made of light short straight structural elements
a geodesic dome

More from Merriam-Webster on geodesic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!