tautochrone

noun

tau·​to·​chrone

ˈtȯtəˌkrōn

plural -s

: a curve which is a cycloid under a horizontal base and down which the time of descent under gravity from every point to the lowest point is the same

Word History

Etymology

French, from taut- + Greek chronos time

First Known Use

circa 1774, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!