rectangle etymology

Etymology:

The word "rectangle" is derived from the Latin word "rectangulus," which is itself derived from two Latin words:

  • Rectus: Meaning "straight" or "right"
  • Angulus: Meaning "angle"

Meaning and Origin:

A rectangle is a two-dimensional shape with four straight sides and four right angles. Its opposite sides are parallel and equal in length.

The term "rectangle" was first used in geometry to describe a quadrilateral with four right angles. It was originally defined by the Greek mathematician Euclid in his work "Elements" around 300 BCE. Euclid described a rectangle as a "parallelogram with all its angles right."

Over time, the term "rectangle" became synonymous with a general quadrilateral with four right angles, regardless of its other properties. Today, it is one of the most basic and commonly used geometric shapes in mathematics and everyday life.

Additional Notes:

  • The plural form of rectangle is "rectangles."
  • The area of a rectangle is found by multiplying its length by its width.
  • The perimeter of a rectangle is found by adding up the lengths of all four sides.
  • Rectangles are often used in construction, engineering, and design because they are easy to draw and have a number of useful properties.

rectangle relate terms

  • Angle

    Etymology The word angle comes from the Old English word angel meaning hook Mea

  • square

    Etymology of square Derived from the Old English word sċēare meaning a corner

  • square

    Etymology of square Derived from the Old English word sċēare meaning a corner

  • quadrangle

    Etymology From Latin quadrangulum from quadrāngulus meaning having four angles from

  • ellipse

    Etymology Greek ἔλλειψις elleipsis omission falling short Latin ellipsi

  • cylinder

    Etymology The word cylinder is derived from the Greek word kylindros which itself co

  • parallelogram

    Etymology The word parallelogram is derived from the Greek words parallelos parallel

  • long

    Etymology The word long comes from the Proto Indo European root leng meaning to stre

  • reckon

    Etymology Middle English reknen from Old English reccan Proto West Germanic rakōn