Acnode

/ˈæk.noʊd/ noun

Definition

A point on an algebraic curve where the curve has an isolated singular point, touching itself without crossing.

Etymology

Composed of the prefix 'a-' (from Greek, meaning 'without' or 'not') and Latin 'nodus' (meaning 'knot'). In mathematics, it describes a point that appears knotted but is actually just a tangent point without intersection.

Kelly Says

Mathematicians use 'acnode' for those beautiful isolated points on curves that look like the curve is kissing itself—they're called 'isolated singularities' and they're super important in studying the geometry of algebraic varieties!

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