bisectrix

[ bahy-sek-triks ]

noun

, plural bi·sec·tri·ces [bahy-sek-, trahy, -seez].

1. Crystallography. an imaginary line bisecting either the acute angle acute bisectrix or the obtuse angle obtuse bisectrix of the optic axes of a biaxial crystal.
2. Geometry. a bisector.

bisectrix

/ baɪˈsɛktrɪks /

noun

1. another name for bisector
2. the bisector of the angle between the optic axes of a crystal

Word History and Origins

Origin of bisectrix¹

First recorded in 1850–55; bisec(t) + -trix

Example Sentences

The two minerals may, however, be readily distinguished by the fact that in heulandite the acute positive bisectrix of the optic axes emerges perpendicular to the cleavage.

From Project Gutenberg

The crystal must be viewed along the acute bisectrix, and for this purpose it is often necessary to cut a plate from the crystal perpendicular to this direction: sometimes, however, as in mica and topaz, a cleavage flake will be perpendicular to the acute bisectrix.

From Project Gutenberg

The optical orientation of an orthorhombic crystal is completely defined by stating to which crystallographic planes the optic axial plane and the acute bisectrix are respectively parallel and perpendicular.

From Project Gutenberg

The angles between the optic axes are bisected by the vibration-directions OA and OC; the one which 588 bisects the acute angle being called the “acute bisectrix” or “first mean line,” and the other the “obtuse bisectrix” or “second mean line.”

From Project Gutenberg

A beginning was made by firing four shots at each plate in the bisectrix of the corners.

From Project Gutenberg