Inversambisignum (noun): The ∓ symbol, commonly called the minus-or-plus sign or minus-plus sign. The name derives from Latin: inversa ("inverted" or "turned upside down"), ambi- ("both" or "on both sides"), and signum ("sign" or "symbol"), and reflects its role as the counterpart to the ± symbol (ambisignum).
Meaning and Use
1) Relationship to ± (ambisignum):
• ∓ appears with ± to denote symmetrical or complementary values in equations.
• The top sign of ± corresponds to the top sign of ∓, and the bottom sign of ± to the bottom sign of ∓.
• Example: In a ± b ∓ c:
◦ First case: a + b − c
◦ Second case: a − b + c.
2) Applications:
• Quadratic equations: Specifies dual results involving radicals.
• Physics and Engineering: Models symmetry (e.g., waveforms, alternating currents).
• Complex numbers: Describes conjugate pairs with opposite-sign components.
Why It Is Necessary
Without ∓, expressions with multiple operations could be ambiguous. Paired ± and ∓ ensure clarity by mirroring opposing effects.
Mnemonic: Think of ± as "positive then negative" and ∓ as "negative then positive," balancing dual relationships.
Note: it is tautological to refer to an 'inversambisignum sign' or an 'inversambisignum symbol' in the same way that it is tautological to refer to RAS syndrome (where RAS means 'redundant acronym syndrome')...
Meaning and Use
1) Relationship to ± (ambisignum):
• ∓ appears with ± to denote symmetrical or complementary values in equations.
• The top sign of ± corresponds to the top sign of ∓, and the bottom sign of ± to the bottom sign of ∓.
• Example: In a ± b ∓ c:
◦ First case: a + b − c
◦ Second case: a − b + c.
2) Applications:
• Quadratic equations: Specifies dual results involving radicals.
• Physics and Engineering: Models symmetry (e.g., waveforms, alternating currents).
• Complex numbers: Describes conjugate pairs with opposite-sign components.
Why It Is Necessary
Without ∓, expressions with multiple operations could be ambiguous. Paired ± and ∓ ensure clarity by mirroring opposing effects.
Mnemonic: Think of ± as "positive then negative" and ∓ as "negative then positive," balancing dual relationships.
Note: it is tautological to refer to an 'inversambisignum sign' or an 'inversambisignum symbol' in the same way that it is tautological to refer to RAS syndrome (where RAS means 'redundant acronym syndrome')...
As a physicist Carl used the ambisignum almost daily in his writing, but it was a rare occasion indeed when his formulæ required the use of an inversambisignum.
by The Autumn Mandrake November 30, 2024
A doge whistle is the use of coded or suggestive language in conspiratorial messaging to garner support from other conspiracy theorists whilst providing a veneer of plausible deniability.
The concept is a reference to ultrasonic dog whistles, which are audible to dogs but not humans, and to Doge coin, a cryptocurrency favoured by conspiracy theorists and political extremists. Doge whistles use language that appears normal at a cursory glance but which communicates specific, inflammatory ideas to target audiences. They are generally used to convey messages on issues likely to provoke controversy or action without attracting excessive negative attention.
The concept is a reference to ultrasonic dog whistles, which are audible to dogs but not humans, and to Doge coin, a cryptocurrency favoured by conspiracy theorists and political extremists. Doge whistles use language that appears normal at a cursory glance but which communicates specific, inflammatory ideas to target audiences. They are generally used to convey messages on issues likely to provoke controversy or action without attracting excessive negative attention.
"No one is even trying to shoot the ducks on the lake," Leon noted within earshot of a gang of cryptocurrency conference attendees who had not seen the flock of birds swimming on the shores of the convention centre. The doge whistle was successful - that afternoon shotgun pellets and feathers filled the air after the last presentation, and much beer was consumed to celebrate the attack.
by The Autumn Mandrake September 16, 2024
(noun) The integrus is the integral (∫) symbol introduced into mathematics by Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz in 1675 CE. Its name is derived from the Latin 'integer' meaning "whole" or "entire," reflecting its mathematical purpose of calculating the whole of a quantity, such as areas or volumes under curves, or other total accumulations.
The elongated S shape of the integrus originates from the Latin word 'summa' (meaning "sum" or "the addition of"), and it symbolises in the mathematical branch of calculus the summation of many infinitesimally small quantities.
The elongated S shape of the integrus originates from the Latin word 'summa' (meaning "sum" or "the addition of"), and it symbolises in the mathematical branch of calculus the summation of many infinitesimally small quantities.
Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz are both credited with independently discovering the fundamental theorem of calculus in the 17th century CE, but it was Leibniz who introduced the S-shaped integrus as the notation for the integration operation, which underpins much of the calculation in this discipline.
by The Autumn Mandrake November 30, 2024
(noun) The joy of walking on grass barefoot. From the Greek roots 'ξυπόλητος' (xipolitos), meaning 'barefoot;' 'γρασίδι' (grasidi), meaning 'grass;' and '-philia,' a love of or a fondness for.
Eurynome stood blissfully in the middle of the meadow, wrapped in the amber glow of dawn and feeling the kiss of dew cool the soles of her feet and assuage her xipolitosograsidiphilia.
by The Autumn Mandrake August 14, 2024
(noun) The joy of listening to or hearing the sound of rain on a window. From the Greek roots 'παράθυρο' (parathyro), meaning 'window;' 'βροχή' (vrocho), meaning 'rain;' and '-philia,' a love of or a fondness for.
Ambrosia gathered her mug of steaming cocoa, her knitted woolen blanket, her favourite book of poetry, and snuggled into her window seat to indulge her parathyrovrochophilia – reveling in the joy of listening to the whisper of rain pattering on the panes of glass separating her from the blustering storm outside.
by The Autumn Mandrake August 14, 2024