The correct spelling of the word "right angled" is "right-angled." The hyphenated spelling is necessary to clarify that the angle being referred to is at a right angle, or 90 degrees. In the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), this word is transcribed as /raɪt ˈæŋɡəld/. The symbol /a/ represents the short vowel sound in "cat," and the symbol /ŋ/ represents the consonant sound in "sing." With the hyphenated spelling and IPA transcription, the meaning and pronunciation of this word are clear.
The term "right angled" is an adjective that refers to a geometric shape or object that has an angle measuring exactly 90 degrees. In specific, it describes an angle that is formed by the intersection of two lines or sides, one of which is perpendicular (forming a 90-degree angle) to the other. The word "right" in "right angled" emphasizes the exactness of the angle measurement.
Right-angled objects are commonly encountered in mathematics and geometry, particularly in relation to triangles. A right-angled triangle, also known as a right triangle, consists of three sides, one of which is longer than the others, and one vertex that forms a right angle. This triangle is widely studied and used in numerous mathematical theorems and formulas due to its inherent properties.
In a wider context, the term "right angled" can also be applied to other objects or shapes beyond triangles, provided they have a 90-degree angle. For instance, a right-angled parallelogram is a four-sided figure in which both pairs of opposite sides are parallel, and one angle is a right angle. Additionally, right-angled prisms and right-angled polygons can be found in geometry, emphasizing the presence of a 90-degree angle within their structure.
Overall, the term "right angled" denotes the presence of precise 90-degree angles in various geometric shapes or objects, highlighting their mathematical significance and properties.
The word "right-angled" originated from Old English, specifically from the combination of the words "right" and "angle".
The term "right" comes from the Old English word "riht", which meant straight, upright, or correct. It can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "rehtaz", meaning "right" or "direct".
The word "angle" has its roots in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word "angulus", meaning "corner" or "angle". This Latin word was borrowed from the Greek word "ankulos", with the same meaning.
When combined, "right-angled" refers to an angle that measures exactly 90 degrees, forming the shape of an L or forming a quarter of a complete rotation.