释义 |
fixity|ˈfɪksɪtɪ| [ad. assumed L. *fīxitātem, f. fīxus: see fix a. and -ity. Cf. Fr. fixité.] The quality or condition of being fixed. 1. Originally spec. in Physics: The property of enduring heat without volatilization or loss of weight.
1666Boyle Orig. Formes 282 So much do the Fixity [Wks. 1772 III. 78 fixidity] and Volatility of Bodies depend upon Texture. 1757Walker in Phil. Trans. L. 129 This cremor was found to have a great degree of fixity. 1811Pinkerton Petral. II. 220 Tartarin, notwithstanding its fixity, is..found in soot. 1826Faraday Exp. Res. xxxii. 205 Retaining them in a state of perfect fixity. 2. a. gen. The condition of not being liable to displacement or change; stability or permanence in situation, condition, or form.
1791Hamilton Berthollet's Dyeing I. i. i. ii. 40 The oxyd of tin..increases the brightness and fixity of several [colours]. 1807W. Taylor in Ann. Rev. V. 575 The translation of the Bible..gave fixity to the tongue of the new religion. 1858Froude Hist. Eng. III. xvii. 525 The unbending fixity of a law of nature. 1877C. O'Neill in Encycl. Brit. VII. 579/1 The aniline purples..are only fitted for use where great fixity is not demanded. 1885Chitty in Law Times Rep. LII. 690/1 Irresolution and want of fixity of purpose. b. fixity of tenure: the condition of having a fixed, permanent tenure.
1844M. Hennell Social Syst. 82 The expediency of giving fixity of tenure to the tillers of the soil in Ireland. c. concr. Something fixed.
1817Coleridge Biog. Lit. I. 296 Fancy, on the contrary, has no other counters to play with, but fixities and definites. d. Fixedness (of look).
1895Cornhill Mag. Nov. 519 Dark, restless eyes, that could..fasten upon one with a disagreeable fixity. |