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Hypotenuse: meaning, definitions and examples

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hypotenuse

 

[ haɪˈpɒtənjuːz ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

geometry term

The hypotenuse is the longest side of a right triangle, opposite the right angle. It is calculated using the Pythagorean theorem, which states that the square of the hypotenuse is equal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides.

Synonyms

longest side, main side.

Examples of usage

  • In a right triangle, the hypotenuse is always longer than the other two sides.
  • To find the length of the hypotenuse, you can use a^2 + b^2 = c^2.
  • The hypotenuse is essential in trigonometry for calculating angles and lengths.

Translations

Translations of the word "hypotenuse" in other languages:

🇵🇹 hipotenusa

🇮🇳 हाइपोटेन्यूज़

🇩🇪 Hypotenuse

🇮🇩 hipotenusa

🇺🇦 гіпотенуза

🇵🇱 przeciwprostokątna

🇯🇵 斜辺 (しゃへん)

🇫🇷 hypoténuse

🇪🇸 hipotenusa

🇹🇷 hipotenüs

🇰🇷 빗변 (bitbyeon)

🇸🇦 الوتر (al-watar)

🇨🇿 přeponě

🇸🇰 prepona

🇨🇳 斜边 (xiébān)

🇸🇮 hipotenuza

🇮🇸 hýpótenúsa

🇰🇿 гипотенуза

🇬🇪 ჰიპოტენუზა

🇦🇿 hipotenüza

🇲🇽 hipotenusa

Etymology

The term 'hypotenuse' originates from the Greek word 'hypotenouse,' which means 'to stretch under.' This reflects the geometric concept of the hypotenuse being the side that is opposite the right angle and is stretched across from the other two sides of the triangle. The concept of the hypotenuse has been known since ancient times, notably by the Babylonians, who possessed a form of the Pythagorean theorem around 2000 BC. The Greeks, particularly Pythagoras and his followers, formalized this knowledge, and the term entered Latin in the Middle Ages, further influencing the development of trigonometry in Europe. The use of the hypotenuse is critical in various mathematical applications, including architecturally and in physics, making it a fundamental aspect of geometry.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,374, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.