Diameter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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diameter
[daɪˈæmətər ]
Definition
geometric measurement
Diameter refers to a straight line that passes through the center of a circle or sphere, connecting two points on its circumference or surface. It is essentially the length of this line segment. The diameter is twice the length of the radius, which is the distance from the center to the circle's edge. It is a fundamental concept in geometry, commonly used in calculations involving circles and spheres.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The diameter of the circular table is 1.5 meters.
- To find the area of the circle, use the diameter in the formula.
- The diameter of the Earth is about 12,742 kilometers.
- You need to measure the diameter to ensure the fitting will work.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Science
- In geometry, the diameter is twice the radius, which is the distance from the center to the edge.
- It's an essential concept in calculating the area of circles; you can find the area using the formula A = π(d/2)².
History
- Early civilizations, including the Greeks, studied circles and their properties, paving the way for modern geometry.
- Archimedes, a Greek mathematician, was one of the first to explore the relationship between the diameter of a circle and its circumference.
Mathematics
- In coordinate geometry, the diameter of a circle can be determined using the distance formula between two endpoints on the circle.
- The diameter is a fundamental concept in trigonometry, often used to define concepts like radians and degrees.
Art
- The diameter has influenced artistic designs, particularly in creating symmetrical pieces in architecture and visual arts.
- Artists have used circles and their diameters to create balance and harmony in paintings and sculptures throughout history.
Origin of 'diameter'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'diametros', meaning 'measure across'.
- It entered the English language in the late 15th century, showcasing the blend of scientific and everyday language.
The term 'diameter' originates from the Latin word 'diametros', which comes from the Greek 'diametros'. The Greek word is a combination of 'dia,' meaning 'across' or 'through', and 'metron,' meaning 'measure.' This reflects the fundamental characteristic of the diameter as a measure of distance across a circle or sphere. Historically, the concept of diameter has been crucial in ancient geometry, with mathematicians such as Euclid discussing properties of circles and shapes. As mathematical principles evolved, the use of diameter became integral in various scientific disciplines, including physics and engineering, to describe circular objects and phenomena. The precision in measuring diameter is vital in fields such as manufacturing, construction, and astronomy.