a plane curve consisting of two branches situated about a line to which they are asymptotic, so that a line from a fixed point (the pole) intersecting both branches is of constant length between asymptote and either branch. Equation: (x – a)2(x2 + y2) = b2x2 where a is the distance between the pole and a vertical asymptote and b is the length of the constant segment
conchoid in American English
(ˈkɑŋˌkɔɪd)
noun
a curve traced by an end point of a segment of constant length located on a straight line that rotates about a fixed point, while the other end point moves along a straight line that doesnot go through the fixed point
Word origin
< Gr konchoeidēs (grammē), conchoid (line), lit., mussel-like: see conch & -oid