scalene

American  

[skey-leen] / skeɪˈlin /

adjective

1. Geometry.

   1. (of a cone or the like) having the axis inclined to the base.

   2. (of a triangle) having three unequal sides.

2. Anatomy. of or relating to a scalenus muscle.

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scalene British  

/ ˈskeɪliːn /

adjective

1. maths (of a triangle) having all sides of unequal length

2. anatomy of or relating to any of the scalenus muscles

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scalene Scientific  

/ skā′lēn′ /

1. Having three unequal sides, as a triangle that is neither equilateral nor isosceles.

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Etymology

Origin of scalene

1635–45; < Late Latin scalēnus < Greek skalēnós unequal

Explanation

In geometry, a scalene triangle has three sides that are all different lengths. In addition to scalene triangles, there are isosceles, which have two equal sides, and equilateral triangles, which have three equal sides. When it comes to the word scalene, it's pretty important who's using it, and in what context. If your math teacher mentions scalene triangles, you know she's talking about shapes with three unequal sides and three unequal angles. But if a doctor or massage therapist uses the word, she is probably referring to the scalene muscles of the neck, three pairs that differ in length. The Greek root is skalenos, "uneven or unequal."

Example Sentences

“I didn’t come out the closet til I was, like, 21,” said Scalene OnixXx, who was dressed to the nines in a cowboy-themed outfit complete with a pink tutu and knee-high purple boots.

From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2023