tractrixn.
/ˈtraktrɪks/ Geometry.
A curve such that the intercept on the tangent between its point of contact and a fixed straight line is constant; so called as being traced by the centre of gyration of a rigid rod of which one end is moved along the fixed straight line, or as being the form assumed by an inextensible string which is first laid straight upon a plane surface, and one end of it then drawn in a direction at right angles to that in which the string was laid. Also, one of a class of curves similarly traced, e.g. by movement along a fixed curve.
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the world > relative properties > number > geometry > curve > [noun] > other
quadratrix1656
section1665
family1705
semiparabola1728
tractrix1728
witcha1760
tractory1820
sinusoid1823
tractatrix1828
indicatrix1841
hodograph1847
tetrazomal1867
space curve1875
horograph1879
hypercycle1889
Peano curve1900
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unknot1971
fractal1975
analemma1978
1728 E. Chambers Cycl. Tractrix, in Geometry, a Curve Line; call'd also Catenaria. [Error: the tractrix is the involute of the catenary, not the catenary itself.]
1843 Penny Cycl. XXV. 109/2 Tractrix, or Tractory, the name given to a curve described by a heavy point attached to a string, the other end of which is moved along a given straight line or curve.
1852 G. Salmon Treat. Higher Plane Curves v. 220 The involute of the catenary is therefore a curve such that the intercept SN, on its tangent between the point of contact and a fixed right line, is constant. Such a curve is called the tractrix.
1877 B. Williamson Elem. Treat. Integral Calculus (ed. 3) vii. Ex. 9.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1913; most recently modified version published online June 2021).
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