geodesic

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a nountechnical

   Relating to the shortest path between two points on a curved surface, such as a sphere.

   Grammar: Usually used before a noun: 'a geodesic line'.

   Patterns

   • geodesic line
   • geodesic distance
   • geodesic curve

   The geodesic line on a sphere is part of a great circle.

   Pilots sometimes follow a geodesic route to save fuel on long flights.

   The geodesic distance between two cities is shorter than the path on a flat map.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nountechnical

   Relating to a structure made of a network of triangles forming a curved surface, especially a dome.

   Grammar: Used before a noun: 'a geodesic dome'.

   Patterns

   • geodesic dome
   • geodesic structure

   The exhibition hall was covered by a large geodesic dome.

   Buckminster Fuller popularized the geodesic dome in the mid-20th century.

   The geodesic structure is strong yet very light.

Common combinations

geodesic dome

The science museum has a famous geodesic dome on its roof.

geodesic line

On a sphere, a geodesic line is the shortest path between two points.

geodesic distance

The geodesic distance is used in navigation to calculate the shortest route.

geodesic curvature

Geodesic curvature measures how much a curve deviates from a geodesic.

Synonyms and how they differ

shortest-path

A general term; 'geodesic' is the technical term used in mathematics and geography.

Word family

geodesy noun

The science of measuring the Earth's shape and size.

geodesic noun

A geodesic line or curve.

Commonly confused: geodesic or geometric?

Practice

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