Triangulate: meaning, definitions and examples
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triangulate
[ traɪˈæŋɡjʊleɪt ]
mathematics, navigation
To triangulate means to determine the location or position of something by measuring angles from known points. This technique is widely used in various fields, including navigation, surveying, and even in some branches of mathematics. By forming a triangle with known points, one can calculate unknown distances or positions. Triangulation can also refer to the process of gathering information from multiple sources to come to a conclusion or make a decision.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- We need to triangulate our position on the map.
- They triangulated the source of the signal.
- The researchers triangulated data from several studies.
Etymology
The term 'triangulate' derives from the noun 'triangle,' which comes from the Latin word 'triangulus,' meaning 'three-cornered,' combining 'tri-' (three) and 'angulus' (corner). The use of 'triangulate' in English dates back to the early 19th century when surveying and navigation techniques became increasingly refined. The concept of triangulation has been essential in the development of geometry and has applications in various scientific and engineering disciplines. Triangulation leverages the properties of triangles to resolve distances and angles, making it a fundamental tool in fields like cartography and physics.