Tro"choid (?), n. [Gr. a wheel + -oid; cf. F. trochoide. See Troche.] Geom.
The curve described by any point in a wheel rolling on a line; a cycloid; a roulette; in general, the curve described by any point fixedly connected with a moving curve while the moving curve rolls without slipping on a second fixed curve, the curves all being in one plane. Cycloids, epicycloids, hypocycloids, cardioids, etc., are all trochoids.
© Webster 1913.
Tro"choid, a.
1. Anat.
Admitting of rotation on an axis; -- sometimes applied to a pivot joint like that between the atlas and axis in the vertebral column.
2. Zool.
Top-shaped; having a flat base and conical spire; -- said of certain shells.
3. Zool.
Of or pertaining to the genus Trochus or family Trochidae.
© Webster 1913.