a. [f. CENTRO- + Gr. βάρ-ος weight + -IC.]
1. Of or relating to the center of gravity, or to the process of finding it.
Centrobaric method (Math.): a method of determining the area of a surface, or the volume of a solid, generated by the revolution of a line or surface respectively about a fixed axis, on the principle that the superficies or solid so formed is equal to the product of the generating line or surface and the length of the path of its center of gravity; sometimes called the theorem of Pappus.
1727–51. in Chambers, Cycl., s.v. Centrobaryc Method.
1796. Hutton, Math. Dict., Centrobaric method.
2. See quot.
1867. Thomson & Tait, Nat. Philos. (1883), § 534. If the action of … gravity on a rigid body is reducible to a single force in a line passing always through one point fixed relatively to the body … that point is called its centre of gravity, and the body is called a centrobaric body.
1885. Watson & Burbury, Math. Th. Electr. & Magn., I. 64. A body which has the same potential at all points outside of itself, as if its mass were collected at a point O within it, is a centrobaric body, and O its centre. It follows … that if a body be centrobaric, its centre is its centre of inertia.
So Centrobarical a.
1704. J. Harris, Lex. Techn., Centrobarycal, is what relates to the Center of Gravity.
1768. E. Buys, Dict. Terms of Art, Centrobarical.
