adjective
hexagonal
hek-SAG-uh-nuhl
Hexagonal (adjective) means having six sides, or a cross-section shaped like a hexagon. Example: “The bolt has a hexagonal head so it can be turned with a spanner.”
adjective
1
Having six sides, or a cross-section shaped like a hexagon.
"The bolt has a hexagonal head so it can be turned with a spanner."
"Honeycomb cells are hexagonal in shape."
"The pavilion was built with a hexagonal floor plan."
2
Describing a crystal system with three equal axes crossing at sixty degrees and a fourth, unequal axis set at a right angle to them.
"Quartz crystallises in the hexagonal system."
"Hexagonal crystals show a distinctive six-sided symmetry."
"The mineral's hexagonal structure was confirmed under the microscope."
How to use hexagonal
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishShaped like a hexagon, with six sides.
When to use it
Used in everyday descriptions of shape as well as in technical crystallography.
Memory tip
Picture a honeycomb cell — that's the classic example of a hexagonal shape.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
hexagonal shape
hexagonal head
hexagonal crystal
hexagonal pattern
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The bolt has a _____ head so it can be turned with a spanner.
Etymology
Formed in English from the noun hexagon with the suffix -al added to make it an adjective.
Synonyms
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hexangular
Rhymes for hexagonal
coronal
rational
diagonal
personal
seasonal
national
optional
regional
hormonal
fictional
emotional
irrational
See all rhymes for hexagonal →
Frequently asked questions
What does hexagonal mean?
It describes something with six sides, or a cross-section shaped like a hexagon.
What is a hexagonal crystal system?
It's a crystal structure with three equal axes meeting at 60 degrees, plus a fourth axis set at a right angle to them.
What are some everyday examples of hexagonal shapes?
Honeycomb cells and some bolt heads are common examples of hexagonal shapes.
What is the meaning of hexagonal?
"hexagonal" (adjective) means having six sides, or a cross-section shaped like a hexagon.
