minor radius

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "minor radius" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in mathematical or scientific contexts, particularly in geometry or physics, to refer to the smaller radius of a shape, such as an ellipse or torus. Example: "In the case of the torus, the minor radius determines the thickness of the ring."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

r/a is the normalized minor radius of the plasma column.

Nature

r/a is the normalized plasma radius, a is the plasma minor radius at the last closed magnetic field surface.

Nature

The device has a major radius R = 16 cm and minor radius a < 5 cm.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Its major radius is 5.7 m, minor radius is 1.6 m and elongation ratio is 1.8.

Fusion Engineering and Design

It has a major radius of 2 m, and a minor radius of 0.525 m.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Output is plasma current density measured at five points of the minor radius.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The major and minor radii are 5.2 and 1.3 m.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Beyond the critical amplitude, the planar motion is unstable and we get whirling trajectories which are precessing ellipses again with varying major and minor radii.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

This analysis reveals that there exists a critical amplitude below which the planar motion is neutrally stable and the typical trajectories are ellipses with major and minor radii changing both in magnitude and direction.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

The position of each source in an individual observation is defined by the ICRS right ascension and declination of the center of the source region in which it is located, determined by wavdetect, and the major and minor radii, and position angle of the error ellipse defining the uncertainty in the source position.

Harvard University

Main parameters of the JT-60SC device are the plasma current of 4 MA, the toroidal field of 3.8 T, the major and minor radii of 2.8 and 0.85 m, respectively, the elongation and triangularity of 1.8 and 0.35, respectively, a current flattop duration of 100 s and the total heating power of 15 MW for 100 s.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing geometric shapes, provide both the "minor radius" and major radius for clarity and precision.

Common error

Avoid using "minor radius" when referring to diameters or circumferences. Ensure you are specifically referencing the radius, which is half the diameter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "minor radius" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a technical term in mathematics, physics, and engineering. Ludwig examples confirm its use in defining geometric properties of various shapes.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

90%

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

News & Media

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Reference

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "minor radius" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase primarily used in scientific and technical contexts to denote a specific dimension of an object or shape. Ludwig AI confirms its consistent use in defining geometric properties. As Ludwig examples show, you can improve your writing skills and use the proper terms in similar context, like in geometry or physics. While alternatives like "smaller radius" or "inner radius" exist, "minor radius" provides a precise and specific term for technical descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

smaller radius

Focuses on size comparison without specific geometric context.

inner radius

Emphasizes the relative position within a structure.

short radius

Highlights the brevity of the radius.

lesser radius

Indicates a smaller magnitude of the radius.

radial width

Refers to the width along a radial line, often implying a smaller dimension.

radial dimension

General term for the size along a radial direction.

transverse radius

Specifies the radius perpendicular to a primary axis.

narrow radius

Emphasizes the slenderness or thinness of the radius.

minimum radius

Highlights the smallest possible radius in a set of radii.

characteristic radius

Suggests a typical or representative radius value, implying it's relatively small.

FAQs

How is "minor radius" used in geometry?

In geometry, the "minor radius" typically refers to the shorter radius of an ellipse or the radius of the tube of a torus. It's essential for calculating area, volume, and other geometric properties.

What's the difference between "minor radius" and major radius?

The major radius is the distance from the center of an ellipse to the farthest point on its edge, while the "minor radius" is the distance to the closest point. They define the overall shape and dimensions of the ellipse.

Where is the term "minor radius" commonly used?

The term "minor radius" is frequently used in scientific and engineering contexts, particularly in describing the geometry of objects like plasma confinement devices (tokamaks), lenses, and other curved shapes.

What is an alternative to using the term "minor radius"?

Depending on the context, you can use "smaller radius" or "inner radius" as alternatives to "minor radius", particularly when a direct comparison is intended.