Definition:Epicycloid/Generator

Definition

Let an epicycloid be generated by rolling a circle $C_1$ around the outside of another circle $C_2$.

The circles $C_1$ and $C_2$ can be referred to as the generators of the epicycloid.

Deferent

The circle $C_2$ can be referred to as the deferent of the epicycloid.

Epicycle

The circle $C_1$ can be referred to as the epicycle of the epicycloid.

Also known as

The generators of an epicycloid can also be referred to as its generating circles.

Linguistic Note

The term generator of an epicycloid was invented by $\mathsf{Pr} \infty \mathsf{fWiki}$.

As such, it is not generally expected to be seen in this context outside $\mathsf{Pr} \infty \mathsf{fWiki}$.