evolute The locus of the centers of curvature (the envelope) of a plane curve's normals. The original curve is then said to be the involute of its evolute. For example, the evolute of an ellipse is a Lamé curve and the evolute of a tractrix is a catenary. Related category PLANE CURVES Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |