Saddle Point

Note the nipple points and the cleve point.

In mathematics, a saddle point is a point in the domain of a function that is a stationary point but not a local extremum. The name derives from the fact that the prototypical example in two dimensions is a surface that curves up in one direction, and curves down in a different direction, resembling a saddle or a mountain pass. In terms of contour lines, a saddle point in two dimensions gives rise to a contour that appears to intersect itself.

Read more about Saddle Point:  Mathematical Discussion, Other Uses

Famous quotes containing the words saddle and/or point:

    As the saddle makes the horse, so the tailor makes the man.
    Chinese proverb.

    A man with a so-called character is often a simple piece of mechanism; he has often only one point of view for the extremely complicated relationships of life.
    J. August Strindberg (1849–1912)