RHOMBOHEDRAL Meaning and
Definition
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Rhombohedral is an adjective used to describe a geometric shape or crystal structure that is characterized by having a rhombic or rhombohedral symmetry. The term derives from the Greek word "rhombos," meaning "rhombus," and "hedra," meaning "base" or "face."
In the field of crystallography, rhombohedral refers to a crystal system that possesses a threefold symmetry axis and three equal axes that intersect at oblique angles. This crystal system is often represented by a rhombohedron, which is a polyhedron with six identical rhombus-shaped faces. Each of these faces is inclined at equal angles to one another, resulting in a symmetrical and balanced structure.
Rhombohedral crystals are commonly found in minerals such as calcite, quartz, and dolomite. Due to their unique symmetry, they exhibit distinctive optical properties, including double refraction and polarization of light. These properties make them useful in various scientific and industrial applications, including optical devices, semiconductors, and piezoelectric materials.
In broader terms, rhombohedral is also used to describe any object or structure that resembles or has the shape of a rhombus or rhombohedron. This can extend to geometric figures, architectural designs, or even natural formations that exhibit similar symmetrical properties.
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Pert. to a rhombus; presenting forms derived from a rhombus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for RHOMBOHEDRAL
- ehombohedral
- dhombohedral
- fhombohedral
- thombohedral
- 5hombohedral
- 4hombohedral
- rgombohedral
- rbombohedral
- rnombohedral
- rjombohedral
- ruombohedral
- ryombohedral
- rhimbohedral
- rhkmbohedral
- rhlmbohedral
- rhpmbohedral
- rh0mbohedral
- rh9mbohedral
- rhonbohedral
Etymology of RHOMBOHEDRAL
The word "rhombohedral" comes from the combination of two words: "rhombo-" and "-hedral".
The first part, "rhombo-", is derived from the Greek word "rhombos", which means a parallelogram with equal sides. In geometry, a rhombus is a four-sided polygon with opposite sides parallel and equal in length. This term was chosen because a rhombohedral shape has one or more rhombic faces.
The second part, "-hedral", is derived from the Greek word "hedra", which means "seat" or "base". In the context of crystallography, "-hedral" refers to the faces or facets of a crystal structure. Therefore, a rhombohedral shape refers to a crystal structure that has rhombic faces or facets.
Similar spelling words for RHOMBOHEDRAL
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