-hedron

American  

1. a combining form meaning “face,” used in the names of geometrical solid figures having the form or number of faces specified by the initial element.

   tetrahedron.

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-hedron British  

combining form

1. indicating a geometric solid having a specified number of faces or surfaces

   tetrahedron

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Usage

What does -hedron mean? The combining form -hedron is used like a suffix meaning “face.” It is often used in geometry to name solid geometric figures. The form -hedron comes from Greek -edron, meaning “having bases,” which is based on hédrā, meaning “seat” or “face of a geometrical form.”What are variants of -hedron?While -hedron doesn't have any variants, it is related to the form -hedral, which is used to form adjectives related to nouns ending in -hedron, such as trihedral. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article about -hedral.

Other Word Forms

• -hedral
  combining form

Etymology

Origin of -hedron

< Greek -edron, neuter of -edros having bases, -sided, equivalent to ( h ) édr ( a ) seat, face of a geometrical form ( see cathedra) + -os adj. suffix