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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

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

hypotenuse Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • triangle: Then print out the length of the hypotenuse of the triangle.

Converse of object

  • find: Mixed problems: finding the hypotenuse of a shorter side.
  • have: Figure 6: next draw a similar triangle which has the hypotenuse 4.5 units long.

Converse of subject

  • multiply: So that means that the value of x is given by cos( q ) multiplied by the hypotenuse.