| 释义 |
generant, n. and a.|ˈdʒɛnərənt|
[a. L. generant-em, pr. pple. of generāre to generate; cf. OF. generant.]
A. n. That which generates or produces; a begetter, parent. † Also, a second cause (obs.).
1665Glanvill Scepsis Sci. iv. 14 Some believe It [the Soul] came from the Moon..some that 'tis made by God, some by Angels, and some by the Generant. 1686Goad Celest. Bodies i. i. 1 The Divine Word..produceth by a Second inferior Cause, or Generant. 1691Ray Creation (1701) 321 The Sun..is supposed to be the equivocal Generant or Efficient by these Philosophers. 1885F. Galton in Science 25 Sept. VI. 272/2 By a regression of the values of the mid⁓parentages the true generants are derived.
b. Math. A point, line, or surface conceived as producing by its motion a line, a superficial or a solid figure respectively; = generatrix.
1842Francis Dict. Arts, etc., s.v., A circle which revolves rapidly on any diameter generates a sphere; a line moved steadily along forms a surface. The circle and line are therefore generants.
B. adj. Generating, productive. rare.
1875G. Macdonald Malcolm III. x. 147 In her genial bosom the exhausted gathers life, the effete becomes generant. |