dictionary help| trochoid | medical dictionary |
1. <geometry> The curve described by any point in a wheel rolling on a line; a cycloid; a roulette; in general, the curve described by any point fixedly connected with a moving curve while the moving curve rolls without slipping on a second fixed curve, the curves all being in one plane. Cycloids, epicycloids, hypocycloids, cardioids, etc, are all trochoids.
2. <anatomy> Admitting of rotation on an axis; sometimes applied to a pivot joint like that between the atlas and axis in the vertebral column.
3. <marine biology> Top-shaped; having a flat base and conical spire; said of certain shells.
4. <zoology> Of or pertaining to the genus Trochus or family Trochidae.
Origin: Gr. A wheel; cf. F. Trochoide. See Troche.
(28 Oct 1998)
trochleary, trochlea tali, trochleiform, trochocardia < Prev | Next > trochoidal, trochoid articulation, trochoid joint
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