cathetus

[ kath-i-tuh s, kuh-thee-tuh s ]
/ ˈkæθ ɪ təs, kəˈθi təs /

noun, plural cath·e·ti [kath-i-tahy, kuh-thee-tahy] /ˈkæθ ɪˌtaɪ, kəˈθi taɪ/.

(in an Ionic capital) the vertical guideline through the eye of a volute, from which the form of the volute is determined.

Origin of cathetus

1565–75; < Latin (noun) < Greek káthetos perpendicular, equivalent to kathe- (see catheter) + -tos adj. suffix

Example sentences from the Web for cathetus

  • This will be the size of the eye, and in it draw a diameter on the line of the "cathetus."