witch of Agnesi

noun phrase

witch of Agne·si -än-ˈyā-zē

: a plane cubic curve that is symmetric about the y-axis and approaches the x-axis as an asymptote and that has the equation x²y = 4a²(2a − y)

Word History

Etymology

Maria Gaetana Agnesi †1799 Italian mathematician; witch, translation of Italian versiera cubic curve (influenced by Italian versiera female demon)

First Known Use

1875, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of witch of Agnesi was in 1875

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Witch of Agnesi.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/witch%20of%20Agnesi. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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