scalene
Americanadjective
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Geometry.
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(of a cone or the like) having the axis inclined to the base.
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(of a triangle) having three unequal sides.
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Anatomy. of or relating to a scalenus muscle.
adjective
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maths (of a triangle) having all sides of unequal length
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anatomy of or relating to any of the scalenus muscles
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."
Vocabulary lists containing scalene
The ACT Math Test: Geometry, List 1
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Geometry - Introductory
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Geometry - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He explained on Friday that the procedure involved removing his first rib on his left side, the scalene muscle in his neck and “clipped the pec.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 17, 2022
You could try an isosceles, scalene or equilateral triangle offense.
From New York Times ● Dec. 17, 2014
Finally, the scalene muscles work together to flex, laterally flex, and rotate the head.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013
Finally, the scalenes include the anterior scalene, middle scalene, and posterior scalene.
From Textbooks ● Jun. 19, 2013
I saw the knowledge peering through the little scalene triangles of Miss Windus' eyes, saw it in the looks of sleepy and amused curiosity with which Miss Causton favoured me.
From In Accordance with the Evidence by Onions, Oliver [pseud.]
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
