Defn: A curve, in which a body, starting from a given point, and descending solely by the force of gravity, will reach another given point in a shorter time than it could by any other path. This curve of quickest descent, as it is sometimes called, is, in a vacuum, the same as the cycloid.
BRACHYTYPOUS
Brach"y*ty`pous, a. Etym: [Gr. (Min.)
Defn: Of a short form.
BRACHYURA
Brach`y*u"ra, n. pl. Etym: [NL., fr. Gr. (Zoöl.)
Defn: A group of decapod Crustacea, including the common crabs, characterized by a small and short abdomen, which is bent up beneath the large cephalo-thorax. [Also spelt Brachyoura.] See Crab, and Illustration in Appendix.
BRACHYURAL; BRACHYUROUS
Brach`y*u"ral, Brach`y*u"rous, a. Etym: [Cf. F. brachyure.] (Zoöl.)
Defn: Of or pertaining to the Brachyura.
BRACHYURAN
Brach`y*u"ran, n.
Defn: One of the Brachyura.
BRACING
Bra"cing, a.