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Parallelepiped Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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parallelepiped

[หŒparษ™หˆlษ›lษชpษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

A three-dimensional figure with six faces, each of which is a parallelogram. It has 12 edges and 8 vertices.

Synonyms

cuboid, parallelogram, rectangular prism.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
parallelepiped

This term is primarily used in mathematics and geometry to describe a three-dimensional figure where each face is a parallelogram. It is more formal and technical.

  • In our geometry class, we learned how to calculate the volume of a parallelepiped.
  • The crystal structure resembled a distorted parallelepiped.
parallelogram

This term is used in mathematics to describe a four-sided figure with opposite sides that are parallel and equal in length. It is strictly a two-dimensional shape.

  • The base of the parallelogram is 10 cm long.
  • We learned how to find the area of a parallelogram in our math class.
cuboid

This word is commonly used in everyday language and basic geometry to describe a three-dimensional rectangle or box shape. It is simpler and more accessible than 'parallelepiped'.

  • A matchbox has the shape of a cuboid.
  • They packed all the books into a large cuboid container.
rectangular prism

This term is used in both everyday language and mathematics to describe a three-dimensional shape with six rectangular faces. It is similar to 'cuboid' but is often used in educational contexts.

  • The aquarium has the shape of a rectangular prism.
  • We need to calculate the surface area of a rectangular prism for our homework.

Examples of usage

  • The volume of a parallelepiped can be calculated by multiplying the area of the base by the height.
  • The faces of a parallelepiped are all parallelograms.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Geometry

  • A parallelepiped has 12 edges, 8 vertices, and 6 faces, all of which can take various shapes depending on the angles.
  • A cube is a specific type of parallelepiped where all edges are equal in length, and all angles are right angles.

Applications

  • Used frequently in architecture and design, parallelepipeds help create modern structures with clean lines.
  • In computer graphics, this shape often serves as a building block for more complex 3D models.

Art

  • Artists like Piet Mondrian and Donald Judd utilized geometric shapes including parallelepipeds to create visual harmony in their works.
  • Sculptures may incorporate parallelepiped forms to emphasize balance and structure in 3D spaces.

Mathematics

  • Volume calculations for a parallelepiped involve the scalar triple product when identifying the vectors of its edges.
  • These shapes are classified under polyhedra, the general term for solid shapes with flat surfaces.

Origin of 'parallelepiped'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek 'parallelos' meaning 'beside one another' and 'epipedon,' which means 'surface.'
  • It became popular in mathematical texts during the 18th century, reflecting the growing interest in geometry.

The word 'parallelepiped' originated from the Greek word 'parallelepipedon', which is a combination of 'parallelos' meaning parallel and 'epipedon' meaning surface. The term was first used in the 16th century to describe a three-dimensional figure with parallel opposite faces. It has been widely used in mathematics and geometry ever since.

See also: parallel, parallelism, parallelizing, parallelogram, parallels, unparalleled.