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Lissajous figure

[lee-suh-zhoo, lee-suh-zhoo]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Physics.

the series of plane curves traced by an object executing two mutually perpendicular harmonic motions.

Lissajous figure

/ ˈliːsəˌʒuː, ˌliːsəˈʒuː /

noun

a curve traced out by a point that undergoes two simple harmonic motions in mutually perpendicular directions. The shape of these curves is characteristic of the relative phases and frequencies of the motion; they are used to determine the frequencies and phases of alternating voltages

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Lissajous figure¹

1875–80; named after Jules A. Lissajous (1822–80), French physicist

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Lissajous figure¹

C19: named after Jules A. Lissajous (1822–80), French physicist

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“No, never the same. It moves above the horizon in what is called a Lissajous figure, meaning an irregular circle within a rectangular space. It’s a little different every time, but it always comes up some- where over that rise, and goes down over the hill to the left of it.”

From

lis pendens lisse

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