cissoid

The cissoid is a type of curve in geometry, specifically a quartic plane curve. It is defined as the locus of points from which two given points, known as foci, are seen under a right angle. The cissoid is named after the plant genus Cistus, which has a similar leaf shape.

The cissoid can be constructed geometrically using a compass and straightedge. It is often used in the study of conic sections and projective geometry. The cissoid has several interesting properties, including the fact that it is a rational curve, meaning it can be parameterized by rational functions.

The cissoid has applications in various fields, including computer graphics and robotics. In computer graphics, the cissoid is used to create smooth, curved shapes. In robotics, it is used in the design of robotic arms and other mechanical systems.

The cissoid is a fascinating and versatile curve that has been studied for centuries. Its unique properties and applications make it an important topic in the study of geometry and its related fields.