polar (redirected from diametrical)

polar

1. situated at or near, coming from, or relating to either of the earth's poles or the area inside the Arctic or Antarctic Circles

2. having or relating to a pole or poles

3. Chem

a. (of a molecule or compound) being or having a molecule in which there is an uneven distribution of electrons and thus a permanent dipole moment

b. (of a crystal or substance) being or having a crystal that is bound by ionic bonds

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polar [′pō·lər]

(astronomy)

A member of a class of cataclysmic variable stars whose light displays strong circular polarization. Also known as AM Herculis star.

(mathematics)

For a conic section, the polar of a point is the line that passes through the points of contact of the two tangents drawn to the conic from the point.

For a quadric surface, the polar of a point is the plane that passes through the curve which is the locus of the points of contact of the tangents drawn to the surface from the point.

For a quadric surface, the polar of a line is the line of intersection of the planes which are tangent to the surface at its points of intersection with the original line.