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hypotenuse definition

hy·pot·enuse (hī pät′'n o̵̅o̅s′, -yo̵̅o̅s′)

noun

the longest side of a right triangle, located opposite the right angle
also hypothenuse hy·poth′·enuse (-pät̸h′i-)

Etymology: L hypotenusa < Gr hypoteinousa, lit., subtending, properly fem. of prp. of hypoteinein, to subtend, stretch under < hypo-, under (see hypo-) + teinein, to stretch: see hypo- & thin

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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