Why is the witch of Agnesi so called?

Baloo55th

Apparently down to a mistranslation! The mathematical curve Maria Agnesi described after many years of work was called by her 'versiera', which means something that turns. Put 'av' on the front of the word and you've got a word that means something like witch. In translation, the wrong word was used. In fact, she was more of a saint than a lot of the sainted ones - she gave up her studies after her father's death and devoted herself to the care of the poor and sick. http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi217.htm Dec 03 04, 5:04 AM

Create a Free FunTrivia ID to add to, request more/new answers, or edit this entry

Why is eBay so called? Why is Greenland so called? Why is Boxing Day called so? Was there a cat in Noddy and if so what was it called? Why is a spelling bee so called?

1 So-Called Chaos Hello, and welcome to a quiz on the album "So-Called Chaos" by Alanis Morissette. Morissette, Alanis Average 10 Q blethar Apr 08 05 210 plays 2 My So-Called Life Are you a fan of My So-Called Life? Test your knowledge with this quiz! My So Called Life Average 20 Q jane6677 Jan 05 01 3300 plays 3 My So Called Life This is my favorite show of all time. See if you can keep up with me. My So Called Life Difficult 10 Q pasha5 Apr 26 06 885 plays