TETRAHEDRON Meaning and
Definition
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A tetrahedron is a geometric solid that is made up of four triangular faces, six straight edges, and four vertices. It is one of the five platonic solids, along with the cube, octahedron, dodecahedron, and icosahedron.
Each of the four triangular faces of a tetrahedron is an equilateral triangle, meaning that all three of its sides are of equal length. The edges of a tetrahedron are formed by the intersection of the triangular faces, and they are all straight lines. The four vertices of a tetrahedron are the points where the edges meet.
The tetrahedron can also be thought of as the three-dimensional analog of a triangle. Just as a triangle is the simplest polygon in two dimensions, the tetrahedron is the simplest polyhedron in three dimensions.
Tetrahedra can appear in various contexts, such as in crystal structures, chemistry, and geometry. In crystallography, tetrahedral coordination refers to the arrangement of atoms or ions around a central atom in a structure. In chemistry, the tetrahedron shape is often seen in molecules with sp3 hybridization, like methane (CH4). In geometry, the properties and relationships inherent in the tetrahedron form the basis for more complex polyhedra and spatial figures.
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A solid figure having four sides, each consisting of an equailateral and equal triangle; one of the five regular solids.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for TETRAHEDRON
Etymology of TETRAHEDRON
The word tetrahedron has its origins in Greek. It combines two Greek words: tetra meaning four and hedra meaning faces or sides. This is because the tetrahedron is a geometric solid with four triangular faces. Thus, the term tetrahedron literally means four-sided or four-faced.
Similar spelling word for TETRAHEDRON
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