Generatrix
Geometric object moved along a path to generate a shape
In geometry, a generatrix (/dʒɛnəˈreɪtrɪks/) or describent is a point, curve or surface that, when moved along a given path, generates a new shape. The path directing the motion of the generatrix motion is called a directrix or dirigent.
01Examples
A cone can be generated by moving a line (the generatrix) fixed at the future apex of the cone along a closed curve (the directrix); if that directrix is a circle perpendicular to the line connecting its center to the apex, the motion is rotation around a fixed axis and the resulting shape is a circular cone.
The generatrix of a cylinder, a limiting case of a cone, is a line that is kept parallel to some axis.
Sources and credits
This article is adapted from the Wikipedia article “Generatrix”, written by its contributors and licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Fathomly has changed the layout, removed citation markers, navigation and maintenance notices, and adjusted punctuation. This adapted version is shared under the same license. For references, see the original article.
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