Osculate: meaning, definitions and examples

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osculate

 

[ หˆษ’skjสŠleษชt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

mathematics, geometry

Osculate refers to the act of two curves coming into contact at a point, sharing the same tangent at that point. It is often used in the context of geometry, where curves are said to osculate whenever they approximate each other closely at a given point. This concept is crucial in understanding the behavior of curves and their intersections, particularly in calculus and differential geometry. The term can also describe scenarios in physics or motion where objects are in close proximity and interact subtly.

Synonyms

affect, contact, kiss

Examples of usage

  • The two curves osculate at the intersection point.
  • In calculus, we often study how surfaces osculate.
  • The paths of the orbiting bodies osculate around their focal points.

Translations

Translations of the word "osculate" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น oscular

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคšเฅ‚เคฎเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช kรผssen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mencium

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั†ั–ะปัƒะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ caล‚owaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ญใ‚นใ™ใ‚‹

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท embrasser

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ besar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท รถpmek

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ‚ค์Šคํ•˜๋‹ค

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ูŠู‚ุจู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ lรญbat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bozkรกvaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไบฒๅป

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ poljubiti

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ kyssa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะพั†ะตะปัƒะน

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒชแƒœแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รถpmษ™k

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ besar

Etymology

The word 'osculate' comes from the Latin term 'osculatus,' the past participle of 'osculari,' which means 'to kiss.' This etymology reflects the notion of touching or coming into contact, which captures the essence of how curves or surfaces interact in mathematical contexts. The term has been used in mathematics since the 18th century, becoming more prominent in the study of calculus and dynamics. Its application extends beyond geometry, illustrating relationships in physics and even in social contexts, where the idea of closeness or touching can be metaphorically applied. The mathematics community often uses the term to define specific behaviors of curves, influencing various fields such as physics, engineering, and computer graphics.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,674, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.