Conformal

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /kənˈfɔːməl/

Definitions

1. A transformation or mapping that preserves angles between intersecting curves at every point
2. A mapping or function that maintains angles between curves while transforming a geometric figure into another shape
3. A type of correspondence that ensures that angles remain unchanged during a geometric transformation across the plane

Etymology: "Conformal" is simply "conform" with the suffix "-al" added, and the two parts carry a clear meaning. "Conform" comes from Latin "conformare," meaning to shape or fashion together, from "con-" (together) and "formare" (to form, from "forma," shape). The adjective ending comes from Latin "-alis," which passed through Old French "-al" or "-el" into Middle English as "-al," marking something related to or having the nature of the base word. In the sense used in mathematics and geometry, the term describes a mapping or transformation that preserves local angles and shapes, even though distances and sizes may change. A conformal map keeps every small figure looking like its original, just stretched or rotated, which is why cartographers and complex analysts find it useful.

Synonyms: similar, isomorphic