torus

torus


to·rus    Audio Help   (tôr'əs, tōr'-)   

n.   pl. to·ri (tôr'ī, tōr'ī)
  1. Architecture A large convex molding, semicircular in cross section, located at the base of a classical column.

  2. Anatomy A bulging or rounded projection or swelling.

  3. Botany The receptacle of a flower.

  4. Mathematics A toroid generated by a circle; a surface having the shape of a doughnut. Also called tore2.


[Latin, bulge, knot, torus.]
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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