See Also: tractrix(medicine)
tractrix(dictionary)

tractrix (iou)



tractrix noun. . E18.
[mod. Latin, fem. of TRACTOR: see -TRIX. Cf. DIRECTRIX.]
Geometry. A curve whose tangents all intercept the x-axis at the same distance from the point of contact, being the involute of a catenary. Also, each of a class of curves similarly traced by the end of a rigid rod moving along a fixed line or curve.