Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
A cycloid is the curve traced by a point on the circumference of a rolling circle. It is formed when a circle rolls along a straight line without slipping.
Related terms
Archimedean Spiral: A spiral that expands outward as it moves away from its center.
Epicycloid: A curve traced by a point on the circumference of a smaller circle rolling around the outside of a larger fixed circle.
Hypocycloid: A curve traced by a point on the circumference of a larger circle rolling inside another fixed circle.