Mathematics and Physics Glossary

Wagon, n. (Astron.) The Dipper, or Charles's Wain.

Wagoner, n. (Astron.) The constellation Charles's Wain, or Ursa Major. See Ursa Major.

The Wain (Astron.) See Charles's Wain.

Warp, v.t. To turn or twist out of shape; esp., to twist or bend out of a flat plane by contraction or otherwise.

Warped surface (Geom.), a surface generated by a straight line moving so that no two of its consecutive positions shall be in the same plane.

Water barometer. (Phys.) A barometer in which the changes of atmospheric pressure are indicated by the motion of a column of water instead of mercury. It requires a column of water about thirty-three feet in height.

Water-bearer, n. (Astron.) The constellation Aquarius.

Water hammer.

1. (Phys.) A vessel partly filled with water, exhausted of air, and hermetically sealed. When reversed or shaken, the water being unimpeded by air, strikes the sides in solid mass with a sound like that of a hammer.