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triangle

triangle


tri·an·gle    Audio Help   (trī'āng'gəl)   

n.  

    1. The plane figure formed by connecting three points not in a straight line by straight line segments; a three-sided polygon.

    2. Something shaped like such a figure: a triangle of land.

  2. Any of various flat, three-sided drawing and drafting guides, used especially to draw straight lines at specific angles.

  3. Music A percussion instrument consisting of a piece of metal in the shape of a triangle open at one angle.

  4. A relationship involving three people, especially a ménage à trois.


[Middle English, from Old French, from Latin triangulum, from neuter of triangulus, three-angled : tri-, tri- + angulus, angle.]
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
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