The word "polygon" is spelled as /ˈpɒlɪɡɒn/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "poli" is pronounced with a short "o" sound and a strong emphasis on the stressed syllable. The second syllable "gon" is pronounced with a soft "g" sound and a short "o" sound. The spelling of "polygon" reflects the Greek origin of the word, in which "polys" means "many" and "gonia" means "angle". Therefore, "polygon" refers to a shape with many angles, such as a triangle or a quadrilateral.
A polygon is a two-dimensional geometric shape that consists of multiple straight sides joined together to create a closed figure. It is composed of line segments, or edges, that intersect at vertices. Each line segment forms an angle with the adjacent segments. The number of vertices and edges in a polygon can vary, but it must have at least three sides.
Polygons can be classified based on the number of sides they possess. A triangle, for example, is a polygon with three sides, while a quadrilateral has four sides. Polygons with five sides are called pentagons, with six sides are hexagons, and so on. Regular polygons, such as regular triangles (equilateral), squares, and hexagons, have all sides and angles of equal length.
The properties of polygons are extensively studied in geometry. These properties include the perimeter, which is the total sum of the lengths of all its sides, and the area, which is the measure of the space enclosed within the polygon. The sum of the angles inside a polygon can also be calculated using the formula (n-2) x 180 degrees, where "n" represents the number of sides.
Polygons are widely used in various practical applications. In architecture, buildings and structures often feature polygonal shapes for their aesthetic appeal and structural stability. In computer graphics, polygons are used to create visual elements and represent objects. Overall, polygons play a fundamental role in geometry and possess diverse applications in numerous fields of study.
A figure having many sides and angles, or more than four.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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The word "polygon" derives from the combination of two Greek words: "poly", meaning "many", and "gonia", meaning "angle". In Greek, "gonia" is related to the term "gony" (meaning "knee" or "corner"). When combined, these two roots form "polygon", which literally translates to "many angles" or "many corners". The term was first used in an English mathematical context in the 16th century, defining a closed figure with straight sides.