The path traced by a point moving along a curve that rolls without slipping along a fixed base, studied in mathematics and mechanics.
From Greek 'herpein' (to creep) combined with 'hodos' (path or way). It's a mathematical term describing the 'creeping' path of motion.
A herpolhode is what mathematicians see when they analyze rolling wheels and gears—the 'creeping' path comes from ancient Greek, showing how scientists borrowed language to describe invisible mathematical concepts!
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