GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 4 definitions

1.       
   Brachystochrone (), n. [Incorrect for brachistochrone, fr. Gr. βράχιστος shortest (superl. of βραχύς short) +  time : cf. F. brachistochrone. ] (Math.) A curve, in which a body, starting from a given point, and descending solely by the force of gravity, will reach another given point in a shorter time than it could by any other path. This curve of quickest descent, as it is sometimes called, is, in a vacuum, the same as the cycloid.
   
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2.       
   Cycloid (s?kloid), n. [Cyclo- + -oid: cf. F. cycloïde.] (Geom.) A curve generated by a point in the plane of a circle when the circle is rolled along a straight line, keeping always in the same plane.
   
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   ☞ The common cycloid is the curve described when the generating point (p) is on the circumference of the generating circle; the curtate cycloid, when that point lies without the circumference; the prolate or inflected cycloid, when the generating point (p) lies within that circumference.
   
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3.       
   Cycloid, a. (Zool.) Of or pertaining to the Cycloidei.
   
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   Cycloid scale (Zool.), a fish scale which is thin and shows concentric lines of growth, without serrations on the margin.
   
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4.       
   Cycloid, n. (Zool.) One of the Cycloidei.
   
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