Jordan Curve

Definition

Let γ be a continuous path from [a,b] into C or R2 such that

  1. γ(a)=γ(b)
  2. γ(t1)γ(t2) for all t1,t2[0,1) satisfying t1t2

Then γ is called a Jordan curve.

This definition encompasses the fact that the Jordan curve sketch out a joined and closed shape in the complex plane which does not overlap itself. That is, the following is a Jordan curve

while neither of these two are

This yields a distinct inside and outside region, an idea formalised in the Jordan curve theorem.