geodesic Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun (mathematics) the shortest line between two points on a mathematically defined surface (as a straight line on a plane or an arc of a great circle on a sphere)
    geodesic line.
  2. adjective of or relating to or determined by geodesy
    geodetic; geodesical.

WordNet

Ge`o*des"ic, Ge`o*des"ic*al adjective (Also<
  • Geodesic
  • Geodesical
)
Etymology
Cf. F. géodésique.
Definitions
  1. (Math.) Of or pertaining to geodetic.
Ge`o*des"ic noun
Definitions
  1. A geodetic line or curve.

Webster 1913