POLYGON MESH Meaning and
Definition
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A polygon mesh is a three-dimensional representation of an object composed of a series of connected polygons. It is a digital model used in computer graphics and computer-aided design (CAD) to represent complex shapes and objects. Each polygon in the mesh is defined by a set of vertices and edges that determine its position, shape, and size.
In a polygon mesh, vertices are individual points in three-dimensional space that define the corners or vertices of the polygons. Edges are the line segments connecting these vertices, forming the boundaries of the polygons. The polygons themselves are flat, planar shapes with straight sides, typically triangular or quadrilateral in nature.
The polygon mesh structure provides a flexible and efficient way to describe and represent complex geometries with varying levels of detail. It is widely used in various fields such as video game development, animation, virtual reality, and architectural modeling. By manipulating the vertices, edges, and polygons of the mesh, it is possible to deform, reshape, or apply various transformations to the object.
Polygon meshes can have different levels of complexity, ranging from low-poly meshes with a small number of polygons to high-poly meshes with millions of polygons. The more polygons in a mesh, the more detailed and realistic the object appears, but it also increases the computational complexity. Advances in computer hardware and software have led to the development of algorithms that allow for efficient manipulation and rendering of polygon meshes.
Etymology of POLYGON MESH
The word "polygon mesh" is a combination of two separate terms: "polygon" and "mesh". Here is the etymology of each term:
1. Polygon: The word "polygon" originated from the Latin term "polugonum" which can be traced back to the Greek word "polugonon" meaning "many-angled figure". It is a combination of two Greek words: "polus" meaning "many" and "gonia" meaning "angle".
2. Mesh: The term "mesh" has an English origin and its etymology is uncertain. It is believed to come from the Middle English word "meshen" which means "to make or entangle" or "to catch in a mesh". It might also have connections to the Old English word "mscal" meaning "mesh" or "net".
