noun
hypotenuse
heye-PO-tuhn-yooz
Hypotenuse (noun) means the longest side of a right triangle, opposite the right angle. Example: “The Pythagorean theorem lets you calculate the hypotenuse from the other two sides.”
noun
1
The longest side of a right triangle, opposite the right angle.
"The Pythagorean theorem lets you calculate the hypotenuse from the other two sides."
How to use hypotenuse
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishIn a right triangle, the slanted side across from the 90-degree angle.
Common pairings
length of the hypotenuse
calculate the hypotenuse
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Word forms
- Plural
- hypotenuses
Fill the gap
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The Pythagorean theorem lets you calculate the _____ from the other two sides.
Etymology
From Greek hypoteinousa ("stretching under, subtending"), describing the side that stretches opposite the right angle.
Rhymes for hypotenuse
See all rhymes for hypotenuse →Frequently asked questions
What does “hypotenuse” mean?
The word “hypotenuse” means the longest side of a right triangle, opposite the right angle. In plain terms, in a right triangle, the slanted side across from the 90-degree angle.
How do you pronounce “hypotenuse”?
“Hypotenuse” is pronounced heye-PO-tuhn-yooz (/haɪˈpɑtənus/ in IPA).
How do you use “hypotenuse” in a sentence?
Here is “hypotenuse” used in a sentence: “The Pythagorean theorem lets you calculate the hypotenuse from the other two sides.”
What part of speech is “hypotenuse”?
“Hypotenuse” is a noun.
Where does the word “hypotenuse” come from?
The word “hypotenuse” comes from Greek. From Greek hypoteinousa ("stretching under, subtending"), describing the side that stretches opposite the right angle.
