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

witch of Agnesi

/ wĭchəvän-yā′zē /

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 ²y = 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