RHOMBICOSIDODECAHEDRON Meaning and
Definition
-
A rhombicosidodecahedron is a three-dimensional geometric figure consisting of 62 faces, 30 of which are rhombuses, 20 are equilateral triangles, and 12 are regular pentagons. It is classified under the Archimedean solids, which are 13 polyhedra that have both regular and non-regular polygonal faces and are composed of identical vertices.
The rhombicosidodecahedron can be created by truncating an icosidodecahedron, a polyhedron with 32 faces, by cutting off its vertices. This results in the elimination of the original pentagonal and triangular faces and the addition of new rhombus faces.
Each of the 30 rhombus faces of the rhombicosidodecahedron possesses two pairs of opposite sides that are equal in length. The 20 equilateral triangular faces have three congruent sides, while the 12 regular pentagons are five-sided polygons with all sides and angles being equal.
The name "rhombicosidodecahedron" is derived from its composition. The prefix "rhombic" refers to the shape of the rhombus faces, and "icosi-" signifies the presence of 20 triangles, while "dodeca-" indicates the 12 pentagonal faces.
Due to its complexity and symmetry, the rhombicosidodecahedron is often used as a base for various decorative structures, ornaments, and architectural designs. It is also of interest in mathematics and geometry for its unique properties and spatial configuration.
Etymology of RHOMBICOSIDODECAHEDRON
The word "rhombicosidodecahedron" is derived from Greek. Here's a breakdown of its etymology:
1. "Rhombicos-" comes from the Greek word "rhomboeides", which means "rhombus-shaped". The "-cos" part is a combination of the Greek words "kosmos" meaning "order" or "adornment", and "koso" meaning "beautiful".
2. "-ido-" is a combining form used in mathematics to indicate a "deviation" or "possessing the characteristics of".
3. "Deca-" comes from the Greek word "deka", which means "ten".
4. "Hedron" comes from the Greek word "hedra", meaning a "base" or a "face".
