brachistochrone

[ bruh-kis-tuh-krohn ]

noun

, Mechanics.

1. the curve between two points that in the shortest time by a body moving under an external force without friction; the curve of quickest descent.

brachistochrone

/ brəˈkɪstəˌkrəʊn /

noun

1. maths the curve between two points through which a body moves under the force of gravity in a shorter time than for any other curve; the path of quickest descent

Other Words From

• bra·chis·to·chron·ic [br, uh, -kis-t, uh, -, kron, -ik], bra·chis·toch·ro·nous [brey-k, uh, -, stok, -r, uh, -n, uh, s, brak-, uh, -], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of brachistochrone¹

1765–75; < Greek bráchisto ( s ) shortest (superlative of brachýs brachy- ) + chrónos time

Word History and Origins

Origin of brachistochrone¹

C18: from Greek brakhistos , superlative of brakhus short + chronos time

Example Sentences

A famous instance of this is found in what is known as the Brachistochrone problem, which was solved by John Bernouilli.

From Project Gutenberg