hypotenuse

American  

[hahy-pot-n-oos, -yoos] / haɪˈpɒt nˌus, -ˌyus /

noun

Geometry.

1. the side of a right triangle opposite the right angle.

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hypotenuse British  

/ haɪˈpɒtɪˌnjuːz /

noun

1.  hyp.  the side in a right-angled triangle that is opposite the right angle

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hypotenuse Scientific  

/ hī-pŏt′n-o̅o̅s′ /

1. The side of a right triangle opposite the right angle. It is the longest side, and the square of its length is equal to the sum of the squares of the lengths of the other two sides.

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hypotenuse Cultural  

1. In a right triangle (a triangle that has one right angle), the side opposite the right angle. (See Pythagorean theorem.)

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Etymology

Origin of hypotenuse

1565–75; earlier hypotenusa < Latin hypotēnūsa < Greek hypoteínousa ( grámmē ) subtending (line) (feminine present participle of hypoteínein to subtend), equivalent to hypo- hypo- + tein- stretch ( see thin) + -ousa feminine present participle suffix

Explanation

The hypotenuse is the side of a right triangle that’s opposite the 90-degree angle. It’s a term specific to math, specifically geometry. Hypotenuse comes from the Greek word hypoteinousa which means "stretching under." The hypotenuse “stretches under” the right angle of a triangle, which has an angle of 90 degrees. A right angle is the kind of angle that appears four times in squares and rectangles. If your triangle has a right angle, the line opposite that angle is the hypotenuse.

Example Sentences

Take a last keek at that Proposition—they may call them Theorems, though—about the Square on the Hypotenuse.

From The Right Stuff Some Episodes in the Career of a North Briton by Hay, Ian