What is "separatrix"

Separatrix \Sep`a*ra"trix\, n.; pl. L. -trices, E. -trixes. [L., she that separates.] (Arith.) The decimal point; the dot placed at the left of a decimal fraction, to separate it from the whole number which it follows. The term is sometimes also applied to other marks of separation.

line or hooked line used to separate printed figures, originally with numerals and used where modern texts use a decimal point, also in other specialized senses, from Late Latin (linea) separatrix, feminine agent noun from separare (see separate (v.)).

n. 1 (context mathematics English) The boundary separating two modes of behaviour in a differential equation. 2 (context mathematics archaic English) The decimal point.

1. n. a punctuation mark (/) used to separate related items of information [syn: solidus, slash, virgule, diagonal, stroke]

2. [also: separatrices (pl)]

Separatrix (from Latin, the feminine form of "separator") may refer to:

• Separatrix, an mark or vertical bar formerly used as a decimal point
• Separatrix, a proofreader's mark resembling the slash
• Separatrix in math, an equation to determine the borders of a system
• A mechanism for magnetically limiting a plasma, and hence for controlling the nuclear fusion in a tokamak; see divertor

In mathematics, a separatrix is the boundary separating two modes of behaviour in a differential equation.