triangular

[trahy-ang-gyuh-ler]

adjective

1. pertaining to or having the form of a triangle; three-cornered.

2. having a triangle as base or cross section.

   a triangular prism.

3. comprising three parts or elements; triple.

4. pertaining to or involving a group of three, as three persons, parties, or things.

triangular

/ traɪˌæŋɡjʊˈlærɪtɪ, traɪˈæŋɡjʊlə /

adjective

1. Also: trigonal. of, shaped like, or relating to a triangle; having three corners or sides

2. of or involving three participants, pieces, or units

3. maths having a base shaped like a triangle

Other Word Forms

• triangularity noun
• triangularly adverb
• subtriangular adjective
• subtriangularity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of triangular¹

1535–45; < Latin triangulāris, equivalent to triangul ( um ) triangle + -āris -ar ¹

Example Sentences

The Scarborough Shoal, a triangular chain of reefs and rocks, has been a flashpoint between the two countries since China seized it in 2012.

From BBC

The Swiss chocolate bar's distinctive triangular shape is thought to have been inspired by the Matterhorn in the Alps - a silhouette of which appears on the packaging - though its true origins remain unclear.

From BBC

“This new triangular relationship is going on in all of Latin America.”

From Los Angeles Times

Think of the toddler's classic hammer-and-bench toy, with square, circular, triangular and star-shaped wooden pegs that can each only fit in the correspondingly shaped hole in the bench.

From Science Daily

The stands consist of two triangular hardwood structures that clip together through magnets, with naturally tanned leather attachments for the guitars to rest on.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• trilateral