Polyhedral Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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polyhedral
[ˌpɒlɪˈhɛdrəl ]
Definition
geometry shape
Polyhedral refers to a geometric figure that is composed of flat polygonal faces, straight edges, and vertices. These shapes are three-dimensional and can vary greatly in size and complexity. Common examples include cubes and pyramids.
Synonyms
3D shape, polygonal, polyhedral shape.
Examples of usage
- The polyhedral structure of the crystal is fascinating.
- In mathematics, polyhedral objects are often used to explain complex geometric concepts.
- The artist created a polyhedral sculpture for the exhibition.
Translations
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Origin of 'polyhedral'
The term 'polyhedral' is derived from the Greek word 'polus' meaning 'many' and 'hedra' meaning 'face'. The concept of polyhedra has been studied since antiquity, with notable contributions from mathematicians like Euclid, who described the five regular polyhedra, known as the Platonic solids. Over the centuries, the study of polyhedra has expanded to include a wide variety of geometric shapes, leading to developments in fields such as architecture, art, and geometry. The relevance of polyhedral shapes extends into modern science, where they are employed in modeling complex structures in chemistry and physics. The term 'polyhedral' itself began to appear more frequently in mathematical literature during the 19th century and has since become a standard descriptor in mathematical terminology.