generant, n. and a.
(ˈdʒɛnərənt)
[a. L. generant-em, pr. pple. of generāre to generate; cf. OF. generant.]
A. n. That which generates or produces; a begetter, parent. † Also, a second cause (obs.).
| 1665 Glanvill Scepsis Sci. iv. 14 Some believe It [the Soul] came from the Moon..some that 'tis made by God, some by Angels, and some by the Generant. 1686 Goad Celest. Bodies i. i. 1 The Divine Word..produceth by a Second inferior Cause, or Generant. 1691 Ray Creation (1701) 321 The Sun..is supposed to be the equivocal Generant or Efficient by these Philosophers. 1885 F. Galton in Science 25 Sept. VI. 272/2 By a regression of the values of the mid⁓parentages the true generants are derived. |
b. Math. A point, line, or surface conceived as producing by its motion a line, a superficial or a solid figure respectively; = generatrix.
| 1842 Francis Dict. Arts, etc., s.v., A circle which revolves rapidly on any diameter generates a sphere; a line moved steadily along forms a surface. The circle and line are therefore generants. |
B. adj. Generating, productive. rare.
| 1875 G. Macdonald Malcolm III. x. 147 In her genial bosom the exhausted gathers life, the effete becomes generant. |