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Tetrahedron - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A tetrahedron is a three-dimensional shape with four triangular faces, six edges, and four vertices. It is the simplest type of pyramid and a common example of a polyhedron.

tetrahedron

/ˌtɛtrəˈhidrən/ /ˌtetrəˈhiːdrən/

Definition:

A three-dimensional shape with four triangular faces, six edges, and four vertices.

Synonyms:

triangular pyramid, polyhedron, Platonic solid

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

sphere, cube

Common Collocations:

regular tetrahedron, irregular tetrahedron, tetrahedral structure

Derivatives:

tetrahedral, tetrahedrally

Usage Tips:

Use "tetrahedron" to describe geometric shapes in math or science contexts.

Common Phrases:

perfect tetrahedron, distorted tetrahedron, molecular tetrahedron

Etymology:

From Greek "tetra-" (four) and "hedra" (base or face), meaning a four-faced figure.

Examples:

  • 1. The children built a model of a tetrahedron using straws and clay.
  • 2. A regular tetrahedron has all its faces as equilateral triangles.
  • 3. The molecule’s shape resembles a distorted tetrahedron due to electron repulsion.
  • 4. She studied the properties of a tetrahedron in her geometry class.

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