The spelling of the word "parallelogram" may seem confusing at first glance. However, it can be easily broken down using phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced as /ˌpærəˈleləɡræm/, with emphasis on the third syllable. The "para-" prefix comes from Greek, meaning "beside" or "parallel". The second part, "-gram", is also from Greek and means "something drawn or written". Thus, "parallelogram" literally means a shape with parallel sides. Remembering the phonetic breakdown can help with proper spelling and pronunciation.
A parallelogram is a geometric figure that represents a quadrilateral with two pairs of parallel sides. It is a four-sided polygon with opposite sides that are parallel, meaning they never intersect. In addition to the parallel sides, a parallelogram also has opposite angles that are congruent, or equal in measure. The sum of the interior angles of a parallelogram is always 360 degrees.
The basic properties of a parallelogram include symmetry, where one half is a mirror image of the other half. It also exhibits rotational symmetry, meaning it can be rotated by 180 degrees and still maintain its original shape and measurements. Furthermore, a parallelogram has diagonals that bisect each other and create four congruent triangles within.
Parallelograms have various types, including rectangles, squares, and rhombuses. A rectangle is a parallelogram with all angles measuring 90 degrees, while a square is a parallelogram with all angles measuring 90 degrees and all sides of equal length. A rhombus is a parallelogram with all sides of equal length.
The practical applications of parallelograms can be seen in architecture, engineering, and design fields. They serve as building blocks in creating stability and balance in structures. In mathematics, parallelograms are often used in calculating areas and solving geometric problems.
In geom., a right-lined, four-sided figure, whose opposite sides are parallel and equal.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word parallelogram is derived from the Ancient Greek roots para, meaning beside or parallel, and gramma, meaning line or drawing. Hence, the term parallelogram essentially translates to parallel lines.