geodesic A path on a given surface that is as straight as possible; in other words, a path that doesn't deviate either to the left or to the right, and only bends when forced to do so by the curvature (if any) of the surface. If the surface is an ordinary plane, the geodesics are straight lines; on a sphere the geodesics are great circles. Related categories MATHEMATICS • GRAVITATIONAL PHYSICS Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |