Hexahedron Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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hexahedron
[ˌhɛksəˈhiːdrən ]
Definitions
Context #1 | Noun
geometry
A three-dimensional figure with six faces, typically a cube.
Synonyms
cube, six-faced figure.
Examples of usage
- The dice used in board games are typically in the shape of a hexahedron.
- Each face of a hexahedron is a polygon with four sides.
Context #2 | Noun
crystallography
A solid figure with six faces, each of which is a parallelogram.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The crystal structure of the mineral consists of interconnected hexahedrons.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Mathematics
- A cube is a regular hexahedron, meaning all its faces are the same size and shape.
- Hexahedrons can be classified into regular (like cubes) and irregular shapes, which may have different face types.
- In geometry, hexahedra are significant in understanding polyhedra and their properties.
Art and Design
- Artists and architects often use hexahedral shapes in their designs due to their symmetry and balance.
- M.C. Escher famously employed geometric forms, including hexagonal patterns, in his artwork to explore space and perspective.
Science
- Hexahedra can be found in nature; for example, the crystal structures of certain minerals form hexahedra.
- In chemistry, some molecules adopt a hexahedral arrangement in their three-dimensional structures.
Games
- Many dice used in board games are shaped like hexahedra, particularly the standard six-sided dice.
- Hexahedral designs are popular in virtual reality environments for creating immersive 3D worlds.
Origin of 'hexahedron'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'hexahedron' comes from the Greek words 'hex' meaning six and 'hedron' which means face.
- The term has been used since the late 1600s to describe geometric shapes with six faces.
The word hexahedron originated from the Greek words 'hexa' meaning 'six' and 'hedra' meaning 'base' or 'seat'. It has been used in geometry and crystallography to describe a six-faced figure or solid. The concept of a hexahedron has been integral in various mathematical and scientific fields.