Limit Cycle

Natural & Formal Sciences Dictionary
Definition
An isolated closed periodic orbit in the phase portrait of an autonomous continuous-time dynamical system that is invariant under the flow and has a neighborhood free of other distinct periodic orbits; it may be attracting, repelling, or of saddle type with characteristic transverse stability properties.

Limit Cycle

- Natural & Formal Sciences -
Mathematics & Logic Dictionary
Definition
An isolated closed trajectory in the phase plane corresponding to a nontrivial periodic solution of an autonomous dynamical system, typically attracting or repelling nearby orbits.