# geodesic

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˌd͡ʒiː.əˈdɛs.ɪk/ · frequency rank #59,416

## Definitions
1. The shortest curve between two points on a specific surface.
2. A segment of a great circle.
3. A course allowing the parallel-transport of vectors along a course that causes tangent vectors to remain tangent vectors throughout that course (a straight curve, a line that is straight).

## Etymology
From French géodésique. By surface analysis, geodesy + -ic.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/geodesic