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Geometry Glossary

To many, geometry is a field of mathematics that deals in special areas of shapes other than triangles. However, YourDictionary defines geometry as a math area that “deals with points, lines, planes, and figures” and how the measurements, lines, and spaces relate to one another. Geometry is often covered in junior high or high school curriculum, often after a unit on trigonometry.

Geometry can be useful in many fields of work, as well as everyday life. You can find geometric applications in the following situations:

  • Carpentry (cutting carpet to fit various areas)
  • Building homes, offices, and other structures (construction)
  • Landscaping
  • Manufacturing
  • Roofing
  • Web page design
  • Computer graphics design
  • Science applications (biology, chemistry)

While it may not be obvious to everyone, geometry is used all the time in everyday life. For more uses of basic geometry, visit the Ask Dr. Math High School Archive for high school practical geometry applications.

Online Geometry Glossaries

Just because geometry is useful and introduced early in the educational system does not mean that everyone will automatically remember when and how to use geometric principles. For this reason, a geometry glossary may come in handy.

Glossaries are perfect for brushing up on geometry skills or for learning new ones in school. Parents helping children with homework or even teachers switching grade levels may find dictionaries with terms useful. Additionally, people in the jobs mentioned above may need to look up various theorems and concepts. The following glossaries contain commonly used terms and ideas found in geometry:

  • Geometry Glossary: This glossary contains numerous entries, including symbols. Plenty of internal links within definitions are provided, so the user does not have to scroll around the site.
  • Annenberg Media Learner.org’s Geometry Glossary: This glossary provides definitions for terms key to teaching geometry in classrooms grades K-8 as part of a 10-course mathematical series.
  • Elementary Geometry Tutorial Glossary: Geometry vocabulary is explained in plain words in this short glossary. Scroll through definitions themselves (terms are bolded) or use the alphabetical listing at the left-hand side of the screen.
  • Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative Basic Geometry Glossary: Over 40 PDF pages of terms are defined clearly for the ESL student in this free glossary designed to enhance the curriculum in the OVEC area of Kentucky.
  • Math League Geometry: This glossary is separated into six different sections: basic terms, angles and angle terms, figures and polygons, area and perimeter, coordinates and similar figures, and space figures and basic solids. Terms defined are listed at the top of each page. Clear, easy to read definitions and frequent examples make this a site to bookmark.
  • CliffsNotes.com Geometry Glossary: Visit the popular Cliffs Notes Web site to get helpful definitions of basic geometry terms. Be sure to check out the (http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/Section/Geometry-Cheat-Sheet.id-305499,articleId-29932.html Geometry Cheat Sheet) for symbols, abbreviations, variables, and formulas used frequently in the field.
  • American Mathematical Society Informal Geometry Glossary: Scroll through to find terms defined and enhanced by simple illustrations for figures and concepts.
  • Core Learning Math Demos and Resources: Scroll down to the Resources section to find two free, downloadable PDF files. The Geometry Glossary is 16 pages long, with colorful examples and easy to read definitions. The Geometry Facts & Theorems file is comprised of helpful theorem explanations and other useful facts about geometry.

Geometry term definitions may also be found in YourDictionary. For example, YourDictionary provides a definition for Pythagorean Theorem, but it does not give an example of the principle in use. This is when it can be helpful to use a special geometry glossary.

For further information on mathematical concepts and vocabulary, visit the Specialty Dictionaries section of YourDictionary. Find it by clicking on “Industry Specific Dictionary Index” under the Quick Links section of the homepage. Scroll down to “Mathematics” and select it to find approved math dictionary Web site links.

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