directrix

[ dih-rek-triks, dahy- ]

noun,plural di·rec·trix·es, di·rec·tri·ces [dih-rek-tri-seez, dahy-, dahy-rek-trahy-seez]. /dɪˈrɛk trɪˌsiz, daɪ-, ˌdaɪ rɛkˈtraɪ siz/.
  1. Geometry. a fixed line used in the description of a curve or surface.

  2. Archaic. a directress.

Origin of directrix

1
From New Latin, dating back to 1615–25; see origin at direct, -trix

usage note For directrix

See -trix.

Words Nearby directrix

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use directrix in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for directrix

directrix

/ (dɪˈrɛktrɪks, daɪ-) /


noun
  1. geometry a fixed reference line, situated on the convex side of a conic section, that is used when defining or calculating its eccentricity

  2. a directress

Origin of directrix

1
C17: New Latin, feminine of director

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for directrix

directrix

[ dĭ-rĕktrĭks ]


  1. A straight line used in generating a curve such as a parabola.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.