Osculate

Osculate is a term that has several meanings in different contexts, including mathematics and biology. The word originates from the Latin osculatus, the past participle of osculari, meaning "to kiss".

Mathematics

In mathematics, to osculate means to come into contact with a curve or surface at a point in such a way that they have a common tangent at that point. This concept is often used in the study of differential geometry and calculus.

Osculating Circle

An osculating circle of a curve at a given point is the circle that best approximates the curve near that point. It has the same tangent and curvature as the curve at the point of contact. The radius of the osculating circle is known as the radius of curvature.

Osculating Plane

An osculating plane is the plane that contains the osculating circle of a space curve at a given point. It is defined by the tangent vector and the normal vector at that point.

Biology

In biology, the term osculate is used to describe the action of kissing or touching with the lips. This behavior is observed in many species, including humans, as a form of social bonding or courtship.

Related Pages

• Differential geometry
• Calculus
• Curvature
• Tangent
• Radius of curvature
• Tangent vector
• Normal vector