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Polygon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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polygon

[หˆpษ’l.ษช.ษกษ’n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

geometry shape

A polygon is a two-dimensional geometric figure that is formed by a finite number of straight line segments connected to form a closed polygonal chain or circuit. The segments of a polygon are called its sides or edges, and the points where the edges meet are the polygon's vertices or corners.

Synonyms

figure, plane figure, shape.

Examples of usage

  • The triangle is the simplest polygon.
  • He calculated the area of the pentagon.
  • In geometry class, we learned about various types of polygons.
  • A hexagon has six sides and six angles.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • There are regular polygons with equal sides and angles, like a pentagon or hexagon.
  • Irregular polygons have sides and angles that are not all the same.
  • The sum of the internal angles of a polygon can be calculated with the formula: (n-2) ร— 180ยฐ, where n is the number of sides.

Art and Design

  • Polygons are fundamental in graphic design and video game graphics, creating shapes that form complex images.
  • Artists like Piet Mondrian used geometric shapes, including polygons, to express modernism in art.

Nature

  • Many natural forms resemble polygons; for instance, honeycombs are made up of hexagonal shapes.
  • Crystals often form polygonal shapes based on their atomic structure, showing a bond between geometry and nature.

Architecture

  • Many famous buildings incorporate polygonal layouts, allowing for interesting designs and efficient use of space.
  • The Louvre Pyramid in Paris is a notable example, featuring a glass and metal polygonal structure among traditional architecture.

Origin of 'polygon'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Greek โ€˜polygononโ€™, where โ€˜polyโ€™ means โ€˜manyโ€™ and โ€˜gonโ€™ means โ€˜angleโ€™.
  • It has been used in mathematics since the 17th century to describe shapes with multiple sides.

The term 'polygon' comes from the Greek words 'poly', meaning 'many', and 'gonia', meaning 'angle'. This etymology reflects the characteristic feature of polygonsโ€”they consist of multiple sides and angles. The use of the term dates back to ancient Greek mathematicians, such as Euclid, who systematically studied shapes and their properties in his work 'Elements'. In classical geometry, polygons were categorized based on the number of sides they possess, leading to names like triangle (3 sides), square (4 sides), pentagon (5 sides), and so forth. The study of polygons is fundamental in various fields, including mathematics, art, and architecture, where principles of symmetry, tessellation, and spatial reasoning find significant applications.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,636, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.