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[Gr.] A prefix signifying equality, much used in forming scientific words, especially in the case of lines which represent graphically equality of phenomena; thus, lines drawn on a map to show places where the average barometric pressures are equal, are Isobaric lines; places where the needle has the same dip are shown by Isoclinal lines; places where the magnetic intensity is the same are shown by Isodynamic lines; places where the deviation of the magnet is the same, by Isogonic lines; where the mean annual temperature is the same, by Isothermal lines. Isoperimetrical problems relate to such questions as finding the greatest area inclosed by a given perimeter. The questions are comprised in the calculus of variations. See Calculus of finite differences. Isochronous, performed in equal times; e.g. a cycloid is an isochronous curve because the oscillations of bodies moving in equal cycloids are performed in equal times whether the arcs described be long or short. Isometrical projection is a species of perspective, in which the edges of a cube are represented as of equal length, and the measurements of the three visible faces equal in all respects.
By Henry Percy Smith
Word of the day
SQ10,643
- A serotonin antagonist with limited antihistaminic, anticholinergic, and immunosuppressive activity.