hexagon

UK: ˈhɛksəɡən | US: ˈhɛksəɡɑːn

Definition

  1. n. a plane figure with six straight sides and angles

Structure
hexa <six, from Greek ἕξ (hex)>gon <angle, from Greek γωνία (gōnia)>
Etymology

The word "hexagon" combines the Greek morphemes "hexa-" (six) and "-gon" (angle), reflecting its geometric definition as a six-angled shape. Greek mathematical terminology heavily influenced English, with "-gon" appearing in other polygon names (e.g., "pentagon," "octagon"). The logical pairing of number and angle morphemes creates a transparent, reusable naming system for geometric figures.

Examples

  1. A honeycomb cell is a perfect hexagon.

  2. The playground was designed with a hexagon-shaped sandbox.

  3. Hexagons appear frequently in nature, such as in basalt rock formations.

  4. The board game requires players to move across hexagon tiles.

  5. She drew a hexagon with equal sides for her geometry assignment.