What does geodesic mean?
Geodesic describes a path that is locally straight while lying on a curved surface, such as Earth or a sphere. Such a path represents the shortest distance between two points under the surface's geometry; on a sphere, it corresponds to a great-circle route. The word is also used attributively for structures based on networks of interconnected triangular frameworks, most famously geodesic domes. In architecture, these frameworks are valued because their rigid components reinforce one another, allowing large or unusual spans with relatively little material. In navigation, cartography, surveying, and mathematics, the term has a more technical meaning involving the geometry of curved surfaces. Although "geodesic" may sound specialized, it is useful for expressing a central mathematical principle: the shortest route across a curved surface is not necessarily a straight line in ordinary three-dimensional space.
A path on a curved surface that is locally straight and represents the shortest distance between two points.
"A great circle on a globe is a geodesic."
The technical mathematical sense is distinct from the common architectural use of the word for a geodesic dome or similar framework.
Relating to a shortest path on a curved surface or to a structure formed from interconnected geodesic lines.
"The engineer explained why the geodesic dome could withstand heavy winds."
The expression "geodesic dome" is the most familiar established use.
The plural is used when referring to multiple geodesic paths, curves, or structures.
"The survey compares several geodesics across the mountainous terrain."
A geodesic takes the shortest route across a curved surface by behaving locally straight—a useful idea for both mapmakers and dome designers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of geodesic
The modern word was formed by adding the suffix -ic to geodesy, itself derived from Latin geodesia and ultimately Greek roots meaning "earth" and "form." Its earliest mathematical sense developed in the early 19th century, while its architectural use expanded considerably during the 20th century. It belongs to the same broad Greek-derived family as geography, geometry, and geodetic surveying.
Related word forms
How geodesic is actually used
In general use, the adjective is especially associated with "geodesic dome," a term popularized by Buckminster Fuller. In mathematics and surveying, "geodesic" is more formal and refers specifically to locally shortest paths on curved surfaces. On a sphere, a geodesic is a great circle, although the broader mathematical term also applies to other curved surfaces.
Easily confused with geodesic
A geodesic is a shortest path or a structure based on such paths, whereas geodesy is the mathematical study of measuring and describing the shape of Earth and other curved surfaces.
Geodetic describes mathematical or surveying measurements relating to Earth's shape and position, while geodesic most often describes a shortest path or a framework built from shortest paths on a curved surface.