Protractor: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin 'protractus', which means 'to draw out'.
• The term began to be used in the 19th century as a benchmark for geometric tools focused on angles.

Education

• Protractors are commonly used in schools to help students learn about angles and geometry.
• Some protractors also feature a ruler, making it a two-in-one tool for measuring lengths and angles.

Design

• Modern protractors can be made from plastic, metal, or even digital formats in software programs.
• They often come in various colors and sizes, making them more appealing to young learners.

Science and Engineering

• In engineering, protractors are crucial for precision in designing systems and structures involving angles.
• They have been replaced in some fields by digital tools that can measure angles electronically, but traditional versions remain common in education.

Pop Culture

• Protractors often appear in cartoons or children's shows as a symbol of school and learning.
• Some artists incorporate the protractor's shape into their works, highlighting geometry's influence on art.

At rank #28,531, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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• 28528 tussock
• 28529 actualities
• 28530 unleashing
• 28531 protractor
• 28532 vindictiveness
• 28533 scullery
• 28534 shaming
• ...