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geometry

 - 5 dictionary results

ge⋅om⋅e⋅try

[jee-om-i-tree]
–noun, plural ‑tries.
1. the branch of mathematics that deals with the deduction of the properties, measurement, and relationships of points, lines, angles, and figures in space from their defining conditions by means of certain assumed properties of space.
2. any specific system of this that operates in accordance with a specific set of assumptions: Euclidean geometry.
3. the study of this branch of mathematics.
4. a book on this study, esp. a textbook.
5. the shape or form of a surface or solid.
6. a design or arrangement of objects in simple rectilinear or curvilinear form.

Origin:
1300–50; ME < L geōmetria < Gk geōmetría. See geo-, -metry
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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ge·om·e·try   (jē-ŏm'ĭ-trē)   
n.   pl. ge·om·e·tries
    1. The mathematics of the properties, measurement, and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids.

    2. A system of geometry: Euclidean geometry.

    3. A geometry restricted to a class of problems or objects: solid geometry.

    4. A book on geometry.

    5. Configuration; arrangement.

    6. A surface shape.

    1. Configuration; arrangement.

    2. A surface shape.

  1. A physical arrangement suggesting geometric forms or lines.


[Middle English geometrie, from Old French, from Latin geōmetria, from Greek geōmetriā, from geōmetrein, to measure land : geō-, geo- + metron, measure; see mē-2 in Indo-European roots.]
ge·om'e·tri'cian (jē-ŏm'ĭ-trĭsh'ən, jē'ə-mĭ-), ge·om'e·ter n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

geometry

The branch of mathematics that treats the properties, measurement, and relations of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids. (See Euclid and plane geometry.)

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

geometry 
c.1330, from O.Fr. géométrie, from L. geometria, from Gk. geometria "measurement of earth or land, geometry," from ge "earth, land" + -metria, from metrein "to measure."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Encyclopedia

geometry

the branch of mathematics concerned with the shape of individual objects, spatial relationships among various objects, and the properties of surrounding space. It is one of the oldest branches of mathematics, having arisen in response to such practical problems as those found in surveying, and its name is derived from Greek words meaning "Earth measurement." Eventually it was realized that geometry need not be limited to the study of flat surfaces (plane geometry) and rigid three-dimensional objects (solid geometry) but that even the most abstract thoughts and images might be represented and developed in geometric terms

Learn more about geometry with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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