spherical triangle

American  

noun

Geometry.

1. a triangle formed by arcs of great circles of a sphere.

---

spherical triangle British  

noun

1. a closed geometric figure formed on the surface of a sphere that is bounded by arcs of three great circles

---

Etymology

Origin of spherical triangle

First recorded in 1575–85

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spherical triangle

In a spherical triangle the sum of the angles is greater than 180 degrees, and in a triangle drawn on a saddle surface it is less.

From Scientific American ● Mar. 4, 2011

The Piers have occasionally, in the earlier examples, detached shafts; but they more usually consist of a solid mass of engaged shafts, separated by hollow mouldings, and disposed on the plan of a spherical triangle.

From The Seven Periods of English Architecture Defined and Illustrated by Edmund Sharpe

The sum of the interior angles of a spherical triangle is always greater than two right angles, and increases with the area.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 6 "Geodesy" to "Geometry" by Various

Containing or having two right angles; as, a birectangular spherical triangle.

From Webster's Unabridged Dictionary (2nd 100 Pages) by Noah Webster

For this purpose we have a right-angled spherical triangle, Z S P, Fig.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 360, November 25, 1882 by Various

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---