Equilateral: meaning, definitions and examples

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equilateral

 

[ ˌiːkwɪˈlætərəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

geometric figures

Equilateral refers to a shape where all sides are of equal length. This term is most commonly used in geometry to describe triangles, known as equilateral triangles, where all three sides and all three angles are identical. This equidistance contributes to the triangle's symmetrical appearance. The concept can also apply to other polygons, indicating that all sides are congruent, contributing to their regularity.

Synonyms

equal-sided, identical, uniform

Examples of usage

  • An equilateral triangle has three equal lengths.
  • The shape of the flag is equilateral.
  • Many geometric proofs involve equilateral shapes.

Translations

Translations of the word "equilateral" in other languages:

🇵🇹 equilátero

🇮🇳 समान भुजाओं वाला

🇩🇪 gleichseitig

🇮🇩 sama sisi

🇺🇦 рівносторонній

🇵🇱 równoboczny

🇯🇵 等辺の (とうへんの)

🇫🇷 équilatère

🇪🇸 equilátero

🇹🇷 eşit kenarlı

🇰🇷 등변의 (deungbyeon-ui)

🇸🇦 متساوي الأضلاع

🇨🇿 rovnostranný

🇸🇰 rovnostranný

🇨🇳 等边的 (děng biān de)

🇸🇮 enakostraničen

🇮🇸 jafnhliða

🇰🇿 тең қабырғалы

🇬🇪 გვერდები თანაბარი

🇦🇿 bərabər tərəfli

🇲🇽 equilátero

Etymology

The term 'equilateral' comes from the Medieval Latin word 'aequaliteralis', which is a combination of 'aequalis' meaning equal and 'lateralis' meaning side. This term emerged in mathematical literature during the late Middle Ages as mathematics, especially geometry, began to develop more rigorously. The use of equilateral shapes became prominent in the study of geometry, where the properties of equilateral triangles were explored by mathematicians such as Euclid. Over the centuries, the term has maintained its relevance in both educational contexts and practical applications in design and architecture, emphasizing the importance of balance and symmetry.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,400, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.