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polyhedron

Polyhedron (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ˌpɒlɪˈhiːdr(ə)n/

What does polyhedron mean?

A three-dimensional geometric shape that has flat faces and straight edges.
"The scientist examined the crystal structure of a polyhedron-shaped molecule."

Detailed Meaning of Polyhedron

The word "polyhedron" comes from Greek, meaning "many faces". Polyhedrons can be regular or irregular. A regular polyhedron is a polyhedron that has all its faces the same shape and all its angles the same measure. Some examples of regular polyhedrons are the tetrahedron, hexahedron (cube), and dodecahedron. An irregular polyhedron is a polyhedron that does not have all its faces the same shape and all its angles the same measure.

There are five types of regular polyhedrons called Platonic solids: the tetrahedron, the hexahedron (cube), the octahedron, the dodecahedron, and the icosahedron. Other types of polyhedrons are also studied in mathematics such as the prisms, and the pyramids, which are a combination of a polygon base and triangle faces. Polyhedrons are used in a variety of fields such as in physics for modeling the shape of crystals and in engineering for modeling the shape of structures. Polyhedrons are also used in the field of computer graphics and game design as a base for creating 3D models and animations.

Example Sentences for Polyhedron

1. The art exhibit featured a stunning polyhedron made of mirrored glass and steel.
2. In mathematics, a polyhedron is defined by its flat faces and straight edges.
3. The architecture of the building incorporated polyhedron shapes for a modern look.
4. Students were challenged to calculate the volume of a complex polyhedron.
5. Some tabletop games use polyhedral dice to bring an element of randomness.
6. Her sculpture was an intricate assembly of polyhedra, creating an optical illusion.

Origin and Etymology of Polyhedron

The noun 'polyhedron' has its etymological roots in ancient Greek. It is formed by combining two Greek words: 'poly,' which means 'many,' and 'hedra,' which translates to 'base' or 'seat.' In the context of geometry, 'hedra' referred to a face or side of a solid figure. Therefore, 'polyhedron' literally means 'many-faced' or 'many-sided,' which accurately describes three-dimensional geometric shapes characterized by flat faces and straight edges. The ancient Greek mathematicians, particularly Euclid, used this term to classify and study various solid figures with multiple faces. Through Latin and later into English, the term 'polyhedron' has retained its original meaning, serving as the name for these multifaceted three-dimensional shapes in the field of geometry.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun polyhedron:

sphere

curved

smooth

multi-faced

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

More Usage Examples of Polyhedron

1. The new software can generate a digital polyhedron with user-defined dimensions.
2. During geometry class, we explored how to create a polyhedron using cardboard.
3. The scientist used a polyhedron model to explain the structure of certain molecules.
4. Platonic solids are a special class of polyhedra with identical faces and angles.
5. Leonardo da Vinci made illustrations of polyhedra for a 16th-century mathematics book.
6. The crystal structure resembled a polyhedron, which fascinated the geologists.
7. By folding origami paper, you can create a variety of polyhedron shapes.
8. He solved the problem by breaking the complex shape down into simpler polyhedra.
9. The child's toy was a colorful polyhedron designed to stimulate spatial reasoning.
10. Using 3D printing technology, it's easier than ever to create custom polyhedra.
11. The ancient Greeks were among the first to study the geometry of polyhedra.
12. Archimedean solids are polyhedra that have regular polygons as faces, but not all identical.
13. The polyhedron had a hollow core, allowing it to float effortlessly on water.
14. Fractals can mimic polyhedra but differ in that they are complex and self-similar.
15. The students constructed a polyhedron out of paper as part of their math project.
16. The architect designed a building with a unique polyhedron shape.
17. The geologist studied the properties of a polyhedron-shaped rock.
18. The artist created a sculpture of a complex polyhedron.
19. The mathematician explained the different types of polyhedrons and their properties.
20. The engineer used a computer program to model a polyhedron structure for the project.
21. The toy company created a set of magnetic polyhedrons for children to play with.
22. The jeweler used a polyhedron shape as inspiration for a unique piece of jewelry.
23. The 3D printer was used to create a small polyhedron-shaped prototype for testing.
24. The polyhedron-shaped lampshade added an interesting geometric element to the room.