How Do You Spell TETRAGONAL?

Pronunciation: [tɛtɹˈaɡənə͡l] (IPA)

Tetragonal is a term commonly used in crystallography to describe a crystal that has four sides and four angles, with two of its axes of equal length and perpendicular to the third. The word is pronounced /ˌtetrəˈɡɒnəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. It starts with the stress on the second syllable, followed by the sound of "t" and "r". Then comes the vowel sound of "ə" and the consonant "g" sound. Finally, the word ends with the "ɒnəl" sound. Spelling this word correctly can be challenging for those who are not familiar with scientific terminology.

TETRAGONAL Meaning and Definition

1. Tetragonal is an adjective used to describe a specific crystal symmetry belonging to the tetragonal crystal system. It refers to a type of crystalline structure in which the crystal has three axes of unequal lengths, but each of the three axes intersects at right angles to one another. This means that the crystal possesses two axes of equal length and one axis that is longer or shorter, resulting in a rectangular or square prism shape.

   The term tetragonal derives from "tetra" meaning four and "gonia" meaning angle, indicating the crystal system's underlying geometric structure. This symmetry classifies crystals into the tetragonal system, which is distinct from other crystal systems such as cubic, trigonal, or orthorhombic.

   Tetragonal crystals typically display optical properties that are related to their crystallographic structure. They may exhibit double refraction, also known as birefringence, where light passing through the crystal splits into two rays that travel at different speeds. This results in the production of interference patterns when viewed through a polarizing microscope, providing a key characteristic for differentiating tetragonal crystals from other crystal systems.

   Tetragonal structures are found in various minerals, including zircon, staurolite, and wulfenite, and they play a significant role in understanding the properties and behaviors of these materials. The tetragonal crystal system is also utilized in scientific studies, particularly in x-ray crystallography, as it helps determine the atomic arrangement within crystals, providing insights into their physical and chemical properties.

2. Having four angles and sides.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TETRAGONAL

• retragonal
• fetragonal
• getragonal
• yetragonal
• 6etragonal
• 5etragonal
• twtragonal
• tstragonal
• tdtragonal
• trtragonal
• t4tragonal
• t3tragonal
• terragonal
• tefragonal
• tegragonal
• teyragonal
• te6ragonal
• te5ragonal
• teteagonal
• tetraginal
• tetragyna
• peragonal
• Tetrazoal
• tetragonol

Etymology of TETRAGONAL

The word "tetragonal" has its etymology rooted in the Greek language. It is derived from two Greek words: "tetra", meaning "four", and "gonia", meaning "angle" or "corner". When combined, the word "tetragonal" signifies a shape or structure having four angles or corners. This term is commonly used in crystallography to describe a specific mineral crystal system characterized by fourfold symmetry.

Similar spelling words for TETRAGONAL

• tetragon,
• tetragonia,
• tetragram,
• tetragonurus,
• tetraspore.