witch of Agnesi

[ah-nyey-zee]

noun

Geometry.

1. a plane curve symmetrical about the y- axis and asymptotic to the x- axis, given by the equation x 2 y =4 a 2 (2 a −y ).

witch of Agnesi

/ ɑːnˈjeɪzɪ /

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: witch. maths a plane curve, symmetrical about the y- axis, having the equation x ² y = 4 a ²(2 a – y )

witch of Agnesi

1. A planar cubic curve that is symmetric about the y-axis and that approaches the x-axis as an asymptote. Its equation is x ² y = 4 a ² (2 a − y), where a is a constant.

Word History and Origins

Origin of witch of Agnesi¹

1870–75; named after Maria Gaetana Agnesi (1718–99), Italian mathematician and philosopher

Word History and Origins

Origin of witch of Agnesi¹

C19: named after Maria Gaetana Agnesi (1718–99), Italian mathematician and philosopher; probably so called from the resemblance of the curve to the outline of a witch's hat