Pronunciation: [tɹˈapɪzˌɔ͡ɪdz] (IPA) 
The word "trapezoids" is spelled with a "z" and not an "s" because it is derived from the Greek word trapezion, pronounced [trapéz̧on], where the last sound is a voiced postalveolar fricative, represented by the IPA symbol [ʒ]. In English, this sound is typically spelled with the letter "z". Therefore, the correct spelling of the plural form of trapezoid is "trapezoids", pronounced [trapəzɔɪdz] using IPA symbols.
A trapezoid is a geometrical shape that falls under the category of quadrilaterals. It is defined as a polygon with four sides, of which two sides are parallel, and the other two sides are non-parallel. These non-parallel sides are referred to as the bases of the trapezoid. The parallel sides are commonly known as the top and bottom bases, while the non-parallel sides are often termed legs or lateral sides.
The distinguishing feature of a trapezoid is that it possesses a pair of opposite sides that run parallel to each other. Unlike other quadrilaterals such as squares or rectangles where all sides are parallel and equal in length, a trapezoid displays a variation in the length of its sides. Consequently, the diagonals of a trapezoid are not equal in length unless it transforms into a parallelogram.
The area of a trapezoid can be calculated by multiplying the sum of its base lengths by the height and dividing the result by two. The height is the perpendicular distance between the parallel bases. Furthermore, trapezoids are often encountered in real-life scenarios, such as in architecture and engineering, where they aid in constructing stable and structurally sound buildings. The study of trapezoids and their properties is essential in the field of geometry as it enables the understanding and analysis of various geometric concepts and problem-solving techniques.
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The word "trapezoids" comes from the Greek word "trapeza", which means "table" or "counter". The shape of a trapezoid resembles a table or counter with its four sides, two of which are parallel and two of which are not. The term "trapezoid" was originally used in geometry to describe this specific shape.
