Tetragon Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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tetragon

[หˆtษ›trษ™หŒษกษ’n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

geometry

A tetragon is a four-sided polygon, also known as a quadrilateral.

Synonyms

quadrilateral.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tetragon

Although a synonym for both tetragon and quadrilateral, it is less commonly used. It is mainly found in academic or technical documents focused on geometry.

  • The puzzle required fitting together several tetragons to complete the image.
  • In our geometry project, we studied the properties of various tetragons.
quadrilateral

Commonly used in both everyday language and academic settings to refer to any four-sided polygon. It is a more general term in comparison to other specific types of quadrilaterals like squares or rectangles.

  • A square is just a special type of quadrilateral.
  • We learned about various shapes, including the quadrilateral, in our geometry class.

Examples of usage

  • The most common example of a tetragon is a square, where all four sides are equal in length.
  • Another example of a tetragon is a rectangle, where opposite sides are equal and all angles are right angles.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • Tetragons can be classified as regular or irregular, depending on whether their sides and angles are equal.
  • The sum of interior angles in a tetragon always equals 360 degrees, a key concept in geometry.
  • Tetragons include various shapes like squares, rectangles, trapezoids, and rhombuses.

Physics

  • In physics, tetragonal symmetry describes a type of crystal lattice structure with distinct four-fold rotational symmetry.
  • Materials with tetragonal structures can exhibit unique properties, crucial for advances in materials science.
  • The study of tetragonal structures relates to both theoretical physics and practical applications in solid-state physics.

Art

  • Tetragonal shapes are often used in art and design to create symmetry and balance in compositions.
  • Graphic designers frequently use quadrilaterals to structure layouts due to their straightforward geometry.
  • Famous artworks, such as Mondrian's compositions, utilize a combination of various tetragons to create harmony.

Origin of 'tetragon'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'tetragon' comes from the Greek words 'tetra' meaning four and 'gonia' meaning angle.
  • Similar shapes like pentagons, hexagons, and octagons follow the same naming pattern based on the number of sides.
  • In English, the word 'tetragon' is often used interchangeably with 'quadrilateral' which is the more common term.

The word 'tetragon' comes from the Greek word 'tetragลnon', which is a combination of 'tetra' meaning 'four' and 'gลnon' meaning 'angle'. The concept of a tetragon has been studied in geometry for centuries, with various types of four-sided figures being explored.