oval : Idioms & Phrases

• (Geom.), a curve such that, for any point of the curve mr + m'r' = c, where r and r' are the distances of the point from the two foci and m, m' and c are constant; used by Descartes.

Webster 1913

• (Geom.), the locus of a point the product of whose distances from two fixed points is constant; so called from Cassini, who first investigated the curve. Thus, in the diagram, if P moves so that P A.P B is constant, the point P describes a Cassinian oval. The locus may consist of a single closed line, as shown by the dotted line, or of two equal ovals about the points A and B.

Webster 1913

Cas*sin"i*an o"vals

Definitions

1. (Math.) See under Oval.

Webster 1913

• (Mech.), a lathe chuck so constructed that work attached to it, and cut by the turning tool in the usual manner, becomes of an oval form.

Webster 1913

• noun shrub bearing oval-fruited kumquats
  nagami kumquat; nagami; Fortunella margarita.
  

WordNet

• noun the office of the President of the United States in the White House
  

WordNet

• noun fenestra that has the base of the stapes attached to it
  fenestra ovalis; fenestra of the vestibule; fenestra vestibuli.
  

WordNet

• adjective satellite having an oval body
  

WordNet

• adjective satellite bearing oval fruit
  

WordNet

• adjective satellite rounded like an egg
  prolate; ovate; ovoid; elliptic; elliptical; oval; egg-shaped; oviform.
  

WordNet