Conical Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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conical

[หˆkษ’nษชkษ™l ]

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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

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)ฯ€rยฒh, 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 'nรณn lรก' 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.

Origin of 'conical'

The word 'conical' originates from the Latin word 'conus', which means a cone. It has been used in English since the mid-17th century to describe objects or shapes that resemble a cone. Conical shapes are commonly found in nature, such as the form of mountains, ice cream cones, and certain types of hats. The conical shape is often used in architecture, engineering, and geometry for its structural and aesthetic properties.


See also: cone, cones.

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.