Cone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cone

[kษ™สŠn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

ice cream

A cone is a crispy, conical-shaped pastry often used to hold ice cream. It is typically made from a mixture of flour, sugar, and butter, baked until crispy. Cones come in various sizes and can be plain or coated with chocolate or nuts.

Synonyms

ice cream cone, sugar cone, wafer cone.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cone

This is a general term used to describe any object or shape that tapers smoothly from a flat base to a point.

  • Be careful with that traffic cone, it's blocking the path.
  • The mountain has a shape like a cone.

Examples of usage

  • I ordered a scoop of vanilla ice cream in a cone.
  • She licked her cone of strawberry ice cream on a hot summer day.
Context #2 | Noun

geometric shape

In geometry, a cone is a three-dimensional shape with a flat circular base that tapers to a point called the apex. Cones have a curved surface that extends from the base to the apex.

Synonyms

cone figure, cone shape, pylon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cone

Similar to the first 'cone,' but specifically in casual conversation, it can also refer to the ice cream container itself.

  • I love ice cream in a cone rather than in a cup.
  • Can I have a waffle cone, please?
pylon

Specifically used to refer to traffic cones or tall structures used for supporting cables or marking boundaries. Often seen in road safety and construction contexts.

  • The workers placed a pylon at the edge of the construction site to warn drivers.
  • Drivers should be cautious of the orange pylons on the road.
cone shape

Used when the primary focus is on the shape itself, rather than on a specific object. It can be applied in both everyday and technical conversations.

  • The Christmas tree had a perfect cone shape.
  • Art students often study the cone shape to understand light and shadow.
cone figure

Typically used in more formal or technical discussions about geometric shapes, especially in mathematical or educational settings.

  • This chapter focuses on the properties of a cone figure.
  • In the exam, you will need to describe the volume of a cone figure.

Examples of usage

  • The children learned about the properties of cones in their math class.
  • The traffic cone was placed on the road to warn drivers of the construction ahead.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Geometry

  • In geometry, a cone is a three-dimensional shape, like an upside-down scoop. It has a round base and tapers to a point.
  • There are two types of cones: right cones (where the point is directly above the center of the base) and oblique cones (where the point is off to the side).
  • The volume of a cone can be found using the formula: V = 1/3 ร— ฯ€ ร— radiusยฒ ร— height, which helps in various calculations in real life.

Nature

  • Many trees produce cones, called conifer cones, which are essential for reproduction. These trees, like pines and firs, have needle-like leaves.
  • The seed cones from trees can resemble small, woody structures, while pollen cones are typically softer and smaller.
  • Different species of cone-bearing trees have various shapes and sizes of cones; some are small and round, while others can be long and slender.

Culinary

  • Ice cream cones, which are conical in shape, were created in the early 20th century to serve ice cream more conveniently.
  • Besides ice cream, cones can also be filled with other treats, like churros or tacos, showcasing the versatility of the shape in food.
  • Cone-shaped foods are often more fun to eat and can reduce mess, making them a favorite in casual dining settings.

Art and Design

  • Cones are popular shapes in art and design; for example, they can be seen in sculptures and modern architectural structures.
  • The use of cones in design can create dynamic visual effects, often drawing the viewer's eye upward, enhancing the sense of height.
  • Many musical instruments, such as trumpets and megaphones, utilize a conical shape to amplify sound, demonstrating utility and aesthetics.

Physics

  • In physics, the concept of conic sections emerges from the study of slices of a cone, leading to shapes like circles, ellipses, parabolas, and hyperbolas.
  • The study of how light interacts with cone shapes helps in understanding optics and the design of lenses.
  • The concept of cones is also essential in computer graphics, where 3D rendering uses cones to simulate perspectives and visual effects.

Origin of 'cone'

The word 'cone' originated from the Latin word 'conus', which in turn came from the Greek word 'kลnos', meaning 'cone' or 'pine cone'. The term has been used in various fields, from geometry to ice cream, to describe objects that share a conical shape. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass a wide range of meanings, reflecting its versatility and relevance in different contexts.


See also: cones, conical.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,157 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.