The spelling of the word "Coxeter" may seem tricky, but it follows common English pronunciation rules. In IPA phonetic transcription, "Coxeter" is spelled as /ˈkɑk.sɪ.tər/. The "o" is pronounced as "ah," the "x" is silent, the "e" is pronounced as "ih," and the "t" and "er" at the end are both pronounced. The correct spelling of "Coxeter" is important to ensure proper recognition and pronunciation of the name.
Coxeter is a term primarily used in the field of mathematics, specifically in the study of geometry and group theory.
In geometry, Coxeter refers to a type of regular polytope, which is a higher-dimensional analog of a regular polygon or polyhedron. Regular polytopes have identical faces or facets, and in the case of Coxeter polytopes, they possess regular facets with identical angles between them. Coxeter polytopes are characterized by their property of being highly symmetric, as their symmetries are generated by reflections. They are extensively studied for their connections to various geometric and algebraic structures.
The term Coxeter also refers to Harold Scott MacDonald Coxeter, a prominent Canadian mathematician known for his significant contributions to the field of geometry. Coxeter made substantial advancements in the study of polyhedra, polytopes, and higher-dimensional symmetry. His work laid the foundation for the understanding of geometric transformations and the classification of regular polyhedra or tessellations. Coxeter's contributions have had a profound impact on various branches of mathematics, and he is recognized as one of the most influential geometers of the 20th century.
In summary, Coxeter is both a term used to describe a type of regular polytope known for its symmetry and a reference to the mathematician Harold Scott MacDonald Coxeter, who made substantial contributions to the study of geometry.
The word "Coxeter" is derived from a surname. It is derived from the Old English personal name "Cocce", which means "a cook", combined with the Old English word "ster", meaning "a collector" or "keeper". Over time, the surname evolved to "Cokseter" and then to its modern form "Coxeter".