Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Polyhedron Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔺
Add to dictionary

polyhedron

[ˌpɒl.iˈhiː.drən ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

geometry

A polyhedron is a solid figure with many plane faces, typically more than four. Each face is a polygon, and the edges of the faces meet at vertices. Polyhedra are commonly classified by the number of faces they have, such as tetrahedron, cube, or dodecahedron.

Synonyms

solid figure, three-dimensional shape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
polyhedron

This word is often used in geometry or mathematical contexts to describe a three-dimensional shape with flat polygonal faces, straight edges, and sharp corners or vertices.

  • The geometry teacher asked us to draw a polyhedron with six faces.
  • A cube is a type of polyhedron.
solid figure

This term is more general and is used to describe any three-dimensional shape, especially when discussing basic properties like volume and surface area. It's often used in basic geometry classes.

  • In today's lesson, we learned about different solid figures and their volumes.
  • A pyramid is an example of a solid figure with a polygonal base.
three-dimensional shape

This term is very broad and can be used in everyday language, as well as in academic contexts, to refer to any object that has depth in addition to height and width.

  • The artist created a sculpture that was a complex three-dimensional shape.
  • What three-dimensional shape is formed by combining these two shapes?

Examples of usage

  • The cube is a regular polyhedron with six square faces.
  • The dodecahedron is a polyhedron with twelve pentagonal faces.
  • The octahedron is a polyhedron with eight triangular faces.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • Polyhedra are classified into regular (all faces are the same), irregular (faces differ), convex (no caves or indentations), and concave (faces form indentations).
  • There are exactly five types of regular polyhedra, known as the Platonic solids, which include the tetrahedron, cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedron.

Art and Design

  • The use of polyhedra in art can be seen in many modern installations and sculptures, showcasing their structural beauty.
  • Famous architect Frank Gehry often employs polyhedral shapes in his designs, blurring the lines between geometry and art.

Gaming and Culture

  • Polyhedra are popular in tabletop gaming, especially dice, where various shapes have different numbers of sides, like the famous 20-sided die (icosahedron).
  • The exploration of polyhedra fascinates players of puzzle games, teaching geometry in an engaging way.

Science

  • In chemistry, certain molecules can be represented as polyhedra, helping to visualize complex structures.
  • Geodesic domes, which are highly stable structures, can be thought of as large polyhedra that provide strength while using minimal materials.

Origin of 'polyhedron'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Greek: 'poly' meaning 'many' and 'hedron' meaning 'face' or 'plane'.
  • The concept of polyhedra dates back to ancient Greek mathematicians, particularly Euclid, who studied their properties.

The word 'polyhedron' originated from the Greek words 'poly-' meaning 'many' and 'hedra' meaning 'base.' The concept of polyhedra has been studied since ancient times, with notable contributions from mathematicians like Euclid and Archimedes.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,583, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.