Conical: meaning, definitions and examples

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conical

 

[ˈkɒnɪkəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

shape

Having the shape of a cone; tapering to a point.

Synonyms

cone-shaped, pointed, tapered.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conical

Used to describe objects that have a narrow, pointed top and a wide, circular base, often used in scientific or technical contexts.

  • The volcano had a perfect conical shape.
  • The conical flask is commonly used in chemistry labs.
cone-shaped

A more casual term to describe anything that looks like a cone, used in everyday language.

  • The ice cream was served in a cone-shaped waffle.
  • The new building has a unique cone-shaped roof.
tapered

Describes an object that gradually becomes narrower towards one end; often used in design, tailoring, or descriptions of shapes.

  • The carpenter created a table leg that was beautifully tapered.
  • Her dress had a tapered waist, giving it a sleek look.
pointed

Often used to describe something that has a sharp or narrow tip, and can suggest precision or sharpness. Can have a negative connotation if describing behavior or remarks.

  • She wore high heels with pointed toes.
  • He made a pointed comment during the meeting, criticizing the team's efforts.

Examples of usage

  • The conical mountain peak towered above the surrounding landscape.
  • The conical hat sat perched on top of her head.
Context #2 | Noun

geometry

A solid or hollow object that tapers from a circular or roughly circular base to a point.

Synonyms

cone, pyramid, taper.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conical

Use 'conical' to describe something that has the shape of a cone or is cone-like.

  • The mountain has a conical peak.
  • He wore a conical hat.
cone

Use 'cone' when referring to an object that has a circular base and tapers to a point, particularly in geometry or everyday objects like ice cream cones.

  • The children enjoyed ice cream cones.
  • In math class, we studied the geometry of a cone.

Examples of usage

  • The ice cream cone is a classic example of a conical shape.
  • The wizard's hat was a tall conical structure.

Interesting Facts

Geometry

  • The cone is one of the five basic geometric shapes, alongside spheres and cubes.
  • In math, the volume of a cone can be calculated with the formula V = (1/3)πr²h, where 'r' is the radius at the base and 'h' is the height.
  • Conical shapes are found in everyday objects such as funnels, traffic cones, and ice cream cones, making them very common in our environment.

Architecture

  • Conical roofs are often used in various architectural styles, such as in pagodas in East Asia or traditional yurts in Central Asia.
  • Many bell towers have conical roofs, as this shape helps with water drainage and allows for more height in buildings.
  • The design of conical structures can lead to strong resistance against strong winds, making them ideal in storm-prone areas.

Nature

  • Many trees, like evergreens, have a conical shape that helps them shed snow in winter, preventing branches from breaking.
  • Certain volcanic mountains have conical shapes, which are formed by the accumulation of lava flows over time.
  • Some flowers, like the tulip, have conical buds before they fully bloom, showcasing nature's love for this shape.

Art

  • Artists often use conical forms to create interesting perspectives in sculpture and installations, adding depth to their work.
  • In ceramics, conical vessels can provide functional benefits for pouring and serving liquids.
  • Many cultures feature conical hats, such as the Vietnamese 'nón lá' or the traditional conical straw hats of working farmers across the globe.

Physics

  • In physics, cones describe the paths of light and sound waves spreading out from a point source.
  • Conical pendulums are studied for their unique motion patterns, differentiating them from simple pendulums in physics classes.
  • The concept of conical refraction explains how light behaves differently when passing through certain materials shaped like cones.

Translations

Translations of the word "conical" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cónico

🇮🇳 शंक्वाकार

🇩🇪 konisch

🇮🇩 konis

🇺🇦 конічний

🇵🇱 stożkowy

🇯🇵 円錐の

🇫🇷 conique

🇪🇸 cónico

🇹🇷 konik

🇰🇷 원뿔의

🇸🇦 مخروطي

🇨🇿 kuželovitý

🇸🇰 kužeľovitý

🇨🇳 锥形的

🇸🇮 stožčast

🇮🇸 keilulaga

🇰🇿 конустық

🇬🇪 კონუსური

🇦🇿 konusvarı

🇲🇽 cónico

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,063 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.