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Tetrahedral: meaning, definitions and examples

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tetrahedral

 

[ ˌtɛtrəˈhɛdrəl ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

geometric shape

Tetrahedral refers to a geometry that includes four triangular faces, six edges, and four vertices. It is the simplest form of a polyhedron and is a key concept in various fields such as chemistry, where molecules with four bonds often adopt a tetrahedral geometry. In three-dimensional space, a tetrahedron represents a four-sided figure that extends into depth. This shape is omnipresent in nature, forming complex structures such as certain crystals and molecules.

Synonyms

triangular pyramid

Examples of usage

  • A methane molecule has a tetrahedral structure.
  • The tetrahedral shape allows for optimal bonding angles.
  • Crystals can often form tetrahedral patterns.

Translations

Translations of the word "tetrahedral" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tetraédrico

🇮🇳 चतुर्भुजीय

🇩🇪 tetrahedral

🇮🇩 tetrahedral

🇺🇦 тетрагедричний

🇵🇱 tetrahedralny

🇯🇵 四面体の

🇫🇷 tétraédrique

🇪🇸 tetraédrico

🇹🇷 tetrahedral

🇰🇷 사면체의

🇸🇦 رباعي الوجوه

🇨🇿 tetrahedrální

🇸🇰 tetrahedrálny

🇨🇳 四面体的

🇸🇮 tetraedrični

🇮🇸 tetræðra

🇰🇿 тетрагедральды

🇬🇪 ტეტრაჰედრალური

🇦🇿 tetradral

🇲🇽 tetraédrico

Etymology

The term 'tetrahedral' is derived from the Greek word 'tetra', meaning four, and 'hedra', meaning face. The concept of tetrahedron has been studied since ancient times, with its properties explored by mathematicians and philosophers such as Plato, who associated the tetrahedron with the element fire in his work on the five Platonic solids. Over the centuries, the study of tetrahedral shapes has expanded beyond pure mathematics into fields such as chemistry and crystallography, reflecting their importance in understanding molecular structures and bonding theories. The tetrahedral geometry is fundamental in explaining molecular orientation and stability, making it a crucial concept in both theoretical and applied sciences.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,736, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.