noun

separatrix

Separatrix (noun) means the ⟨L⟩ or pipe ⟨|⟩ mark formerly used to divide integers from decimals.

noun

The ⟨L⟩ or pipe ⟨|⟩ mark formerly used to divide integers from decimals.

Synonym of decimal point, which replaced such marks.

The proofreader's mark resembling a slash ⟨ / ⟩ or vertical bar ⟨ | ⟩ placed after a note in the margin to indicate that it should replace the item(s) struckthrough in the running text or to separate it from other margin notes.

A terminator: a line on a partially-illuminated surface separating the lit and shaded regions.

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Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin sēparātrīx, the feminine form of separator (originally owing to an implied līnea (“line”)), from sēparāre (“to divide; to separate”) + -trix (forming female agents). By surface analysis, separate + -trix. First developed as a decimal mark among the medieval Arab mathematicians, whence a shorter variant gave rise to the decimal comma employed by many European countries and their former colonies.

Rhymes for separatrix

Matrix Beatrix dominatrix

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Frequently asked questions

What is the meaning of separatrix?

"separatrix" (noun) means the ⟨L⟩ or pipe ⟨|⟩ mark formerly used to divide integers from decimals.

What are the different meanings of separatrix?

"separatrix" has 3 main meanings: 1. The ⟨L⟩ or pipe ⟨|⟩ mark formerly used to divide integers from decimals; 2. Synonym of decimal point, which replaced such marks; 3. The proofreader's mark resembling a slash ⟨ / ⟩ or vertical bar ⟨ | ⟩ placed after a note in the margin to indicate that it should replace the item(s) struckthrough in the running text or to separate it from other margin notes.