Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Paracentric?

\Par`a*cen"tric\, Paracentrical \Par`a*cen"tric*al\, a. [Pref. para- + centric, -ical: cf. F. paracentrique.] Deviating from circularity; changing the distance from a center. {Paracentric curve} (Math.), a curve having the property that, when its plane is placed vertically, a body descending along it, by the force of gravity, will approach to, or recede from, a fixed point or center, by equal distances in equal times; -- called also a {paracentric}. {Paracentric motton} or {velocity}, the motion or velocity of a revolving body, as a planet, by which it approaches to, or recedes from, the center, without reference to its motion in space, or to its motion as reckoned in any other direction.