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Pentagon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pentagon

[หˆpษ›ntษ™ษกษ’n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

shape geometry

A pentagon is a five-sided polygon. It can be classified based on its regularity; a regular pentagon has equal sides and angles, while an irregular pentagon does not. The term is derived from the Greek words 'penta' meaning five and 'gonia' meaning angle.

Synonyms

five-sided figure, pentagonal shape.

Examples of usage

  • The architect designed a building in the shape of a pentagon.
  • In geometry class, we learned about the properties of a pentagon.
  • The park has a pentagon-shaped fountain.
  • To illustrate, a regular pentagon has internal angles of 108 degrees.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Architecture

  • The Pentagon building in the United States is one of the largest office buildings in the world, designed by architect George Edwin Bergstrom.
  • Construction of the Pentagon began in 1941 and was completed in just 16 months, reflecting rapid military needs during World War II.

Pop Culture

  • The Pentagon has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, often depicted as a symbol of military power and strategy.
  • Songs and literature referencing it often highlight themes of war, politics, and governance.

Geometry

  • A regular pentagon has five equal sides and angles, with internal angles measuring 108 degrees each.
  • Pentagons are classified as convex if all interior angles are less than 180 degrees.

History

  • The Pentagon's design was influenced by the need for space efficiency and performance capabilities during wartime.
  • It serves as the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, playing a crucial role in national security since its opening.

Origin of 'pentagon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pentagon' comes from the Greek words 'penta' meaning five and 'gonia' meaning angle.
  • It's been used in geometry since the 16th century to describe five-sided shapes.

The word 'pentagon' traces its roots back to the Greek language. The prefix 'penta-' means 'five', coming from 'pente', which is related to the number five. This prefix is commonly used in mathematics and geometrical terminology to denote 'five' in various contexts, such as 'pentagram' (a five-pointed star) and 'pentamer' (a molecule with five repeating units). The second part of the term, '-gona', is derived from the Greek word 'gonia', meaning 'angle'. Therefore, the word 'pentagon' literally translates to 'five angles', referring to the five angles formed at the vertices of the polygon. Throughout history, the pentagon has been an important shape in art and architecture, and it is often seen in various designs and structures, including the well-known Pentagon building in the United States, which has a distinct five-sided layout.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,146 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.