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What is the old name of triangle?

Published in Geometry 1 min read

The old name of triangle is triangulus.

Triangles are fundamental geometric shapes, and their history traces back thousands of years. The word "triangle" itself has evolved over time, with its roots in ancient languages. The term "triangulus" comes directly from Latin, where "tri" means "three" and "angulus" refers to "corner" or "angle". This accurately reflects the defining characteristic of a triangle: a three-cornered shape. The transition from "triangulus" to "triangle" involved linguistic simplification and adaptation into various languages.

The understanding and use of triangles predate the formal naming conventions we use today. Ancient civilizations like the Mesopotamians and Egyptians utilized triangles in architecture, surveying, and astronomy, though they may not have referred to them using the exact term "triangulus."

Here's a breakdown:

  • Origin: Latin
  • Word: Triangulus
  • Meaning: Three-cornered

Therefore, while the concept of a three-sided figure existed long before, its early formal name was "triangulus," highlighting its three angles.

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