conchoid

Meaning

Noun

• Any of a family of curves defined as the locus of points p, such that each p is on a line that passes through a given fixed point P and intersects a given curve, C, and the distance from p to the point of intersection with C is a specified constant (note that for nontrivial cases two such points p satisfy the criteria, and the resultant curve has two parts).
• A conchoidal fracture in rock.

Origin

• From Latin concha (from Ancient Greek κόγχη) -oid or directly from Ancient Greek κογχοειδής, referring to the curved outline of a mussel shell or anything in this form.