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Hexagon: meaning, definitions and examples

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hexagon

 

[ˈhɛk.sə.ɡɒn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

geometric shape

A hexagon is a six-sided polygon, characterized by its six edges and six vertices. This geometric shape can be regular, where all sides and angles are equal, or irregular, with varying lengths and angles. Hexagons are commonly found in nature, such as in honeycomb structures, and are used in various fields, including architecture and design due to their efficient packing properties. The internal angles of a regular hexagon total 720 degrees, with each angle measuring 120 degrees.

Synonyms

hexangular figure, six-sided polygon.

Examples of usage

  • The honeycomb is made up of hexagons.
  • We learned about the properties of hexagons in math class.
  • The tiles on the floor were shaped like hexagons.
  • A soccer ball is made of hexagonal and pentagonal patches.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Greek words 'hex' meaning six, and 'gonia' meaning angle.
  • The term started to be used in the English language in the early 19th century.

Geometry

  • Hexagons are one of the most efficient shapes for tiling a plane without gaps.
  • In a regular hexagon, all sides and angles are equal, each angle measuring 120 degrees.
  • Each internal angle adds up to 720 degrees in a hexagon.

Nature

  • Many honeycombs have hexagonal shapes, which maximizes space and strengthens the structure.
  • Certain crystals, like quartz, can form hexagonal shapes due to their molecular structure.

Art and Architecture

  • The hexagon is a popular motif in Islamic art, symbolizing harmony and balance.
  • Many buildings and structures are designed with hexagonal shapes for aesthetic and structural purposes, like the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

Technology

  • In computer graphics, hexagons are used in tiling because they create fewer empty spaces than squares.
  • Hexagonal grids are common in strategy games for better movement options and tactical advantages.

Translations

Translations of the word "hexagon" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hexágono

🇮🇳 छहकोना

🇩🇪 Sechseck

🇮🇩 heksagon

🇺🇦 шестикутник

🇵🇱 sześciokąt

🇯🇵 六角形

🇫🇷 hexagone

🇪🇸 hexágono

🇹🇷 altıgen

🇰🇷 육각형

🇸🇦 مسدس

🇨🇿 šestiúhelník

🇸🇰 šesťuholník

🇨🇳 六边形

🇸🇮 šestkotnik

🇮🇸 sexhyrningur

🇰🇿 алтыбұрыш

🇬🇪 ექვსკუთხა

🇦🇿 altıguşə

🇲🇽 hexágono

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,181, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.