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Protractor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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protractor

[prษ™หˆtraktษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

tool

A protractor is a tool used in mathematics to measure angles. It typically consists of a semicircular plastic or metal disc with degree markings around the edge.

Examples of usage

  • The student used a protractor to measure the angle of the triangle.
  • Make sure to align the base of the protractor with one side of the angle for accurate measurement.
Context #2 | Noun

instrument

In navigation, a protractor is an instrument used to plot or measure bearings and courses on nautical charts.

Examples of usage

  • The captain used a protractor to plot the course of the ship on the chart.
  • The protractor helped the navigator determine the correct heading.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'protractor'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'protractor' originated from the Latin word 'protrahere,' which means 'to draw forth.' The term was first used in English in the early 17th century. Protractors have been essential tools in mathematics and navigation for centuries, aiding in accurate measurement and plotting of angles and directions.

See also: detract, intractable, protract, protracted, protraction, retract, subtract, subtraction, tract, tractability, tractable, traction, tractor.

Word Frequency Rank

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