RHOMBIC DODECAHEDRON Meaning and
Definition
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A rhombic dodecahedron is a three-dimensional geometric shape composed of twelve identical rhombus faces. Each rhombus face has four equal sides, and its opposite sides are parallel to each other. The rhombus faces intersect at their vertices, creating a symmetrical arrangement. It is a convex polyhedron, meaning that each vertex can be connected to another vertex by an edge of the polyhedron without any of the edges crossing through the interior of the shape.
The rhombic dodecahedron is among the thirteen semi-regular convex polyhedra, known as Archimedean solids. While it may resemble a cube at first glance, an important distinction is that the angles between the sides of a rhombic dodecahedron are not right angles. The angles within the rhombus faces and at the vertices are all the same.
The term "rhombic dodecahedron" is derived from the combination of "rhombic," which refers to the shape of the faces, and "dodecahedron," denoting that it is a polyhedron with twelve faces. This shape can be found in various fields, including crystal structures, mathematical models, and architectural designs. Its unique geometry gives it stability, making it an intriguing form analyzed within mathematics and utilized in practical applications.
Etymology of RHOMBIC DODECAHEDRON
The word "rhombic dodecahedron" comes from two words: "rhombic" and "dodecahedron".
1. Rhombic: The term "rhombic" is derived from the Greek word "rhombeus", meaning "lozenge-shaped". It refers to a quadrilateral with equal sides but non-right angles. This shape forms the faces of a rhombic dodecahedron.
2. Dodecahedron: The term "dodecahedron" is also of Greek origin. It combines "dodeka", meaning "twelve", and "hedra", meaning "face". A dodecahedron is a polyhedron with twelve faces.
Combining these two words, we get "rhombic dodecahedron", which describes a twelve-faced geometric shape with rhombus-shaped faces.
