brachistochrone

brachistochrone [bruh-kis-tuh-krohn] ExamplesWord Origin 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.

Origin of brachistochrone 1765–75; Greek bráchisto(s) shortest (superlative of brachýs brachy-) + chrónos timeRelated formsbra·chis·to·chron·ic [bruh-kis-tuh-kron-ik] /brəˌkɪs təˈkrɒn ɪk/, bra·chis·toch·ro·nous [brey-kuh-stok-ruh-nuh s, brak-uh-] /ˌbreɪ kəˈstɒk rə nəs, ˌbræk ə-/, adjective Examples from the Web for brachistochrone Historical Examples of brachistochrone

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

Great Astronomers

R. S. Ball

British Dictionary definitions for brachistochrone brachistochrone 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

Word Origin for brachistochrone C18: from Greek brakhistos, superlative of brakhus short + chronos time