geometry

American  

[jee-om-i-tree] / dʒiˈɒm ɪ tri /

noun

• geometries
  plural

1. Mathematics. the branch of mathematics that deals with the deduction of the properties, measurement, and relationships of points, lines, angles, and figures in space from their defining conditions by means of certain assumed properties of space.

2. Mathematics. any specific system of the branch of mathematics describing points, lines, angles, and figures in space, that operates in accordance with a specific set of assumptions.

   Euclidean geometry.

3. Mathematics. the study of the branch of mathematics that describes points, lines, angles, and figures in space.

4. Mathematics. a book on the subject of the branch of mathematics that describes points, lines, angles, and figures in space, especially a textbook.

5. the shape or form of a surface or solid.

6. a design or arrangement of objects in simple rectilinear or curvilinear form.

7. Digital Technology. the polygons that constitute the building blocks of every object or environment in a video game.

   Player characters getting stuck in geometry is a common glitch in 3D games.

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geometry British  

/ dʒɪˈɒmɪtrɪ /

noun

1. the branch of mathematics concerned with the properties, relationships, and measurement of points, lines, curves, and surfaces See also analytical geometry non-Euclidean geometry

2. 1. any branch of geometry using a particular notation or set of assumptions

      analytical geometry

   2. any branch of geometry referring to a particular set of objects

      solid geometry

3. a shape, configuration, or arrangement

4. arts the shape of a solid or a surface

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geometry Scientific  

/ jē-ŏm′ĭ-trē /

1. The mathematical study of the properties, measurement, and relationships of points, lines, planes, surfaces, angles, and solids.

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geometry Cultural  

1. The branch of mathematics that treats the properties, measurement, and relations of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids. (See Euclid and plane geometry.)

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• geometries
  plural

Etymology

Origin of geometry

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English gemetri(e), from Old French geometrie, from Latin geōmetria, from Greek geōmetría; see geo-, -metry

Explanation

Geometry is the part of mathematics that deals with calculating the distance around a circle, the angles that make up a triangle, or the amount of room inside a cube. If it involves measuring space, it’s probably geometry. The Greek roots of geometry literally mean “to measure earth,” and over 5000 years ago farmers started using geometry to figure out how much land they owned. You study geometry in school, and you use it all the time, like calculating the best angle to cut a piece of wood for a birdhouse, or when playing a game of pool. Astronomers use geometry to measure planets millions of miles away—much easier than finding a ruler that big.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

geometry geometries

“The geometry within the geometry is a fascinating infinite problem.”

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026

Now, its unusual geometry may also help researchers uncover new ways to control and study light.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 15, 2026

Researchers have found that structures based on the shape can make light form unusual chiral patterns, pointing to new ways of exploring how geometry can influence optical behavior.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 15, 2026

In recent months, the AI companies have flaunted the capabilities of their models by trumpeting advances in combinatorial geometry and algebraic number theory, turning math into an unlikely form of advertising.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 8, 2026

The Indians had borrowed little of Greek geometry.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife

Because the antennas have different geometries, each one also has a different propagation coefficient, which describes how light moves through the structure.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 22, 2026

It is a lesson in contrasts—hard geometries and muted hues fronting loose forms and cheerful colors—that evinces the influence of Pierre Bonnard and Édouard Vuillard on his work.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 10, 2026

It also applies to hyperbolic geometries, which are commonly used in theoretical physics and modern models of spacetime.

From Science Daily ● Jan. 7, 2026

So does Helen Lundeberg, whose familiar architectural geometries in landscape paintings get an unexpected twist in three 1960s canvases inspired by extraterrestrial musings.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 29, 2024

Armed with garbage bags we proceeded grimly through the house, emptying shelves and cabinets and crawl spaces, discovering geometries of dust beneath objects unmoved for years.

From "Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children" by Ransom Riggs

Related Words

• algebra
• calculation
• calculus
• math