English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

noun

polyhedron

pol-ih-HEE-drən

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Polyhedron (noun) means a solid shape made up of many flat faces and straight edges. Example: “A cube is one of the simplest polyhedra to draw.”

noun

1

geometry A solid shape made up of many flat faces and straight edges.

"A cube is one of the simplest polyhedra to draw."

"The students built a polyhedron out of card and glue."

"Each face of the polyhedron met the next along a straight edge."

How to use polyhedron

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA polyhedron is a solid shape with flat sides and straight edges, like a cube or pyramid.

When to use it

Polyhedron is a technical geometry term, mostly used in maths teaching and study.

Memory tip

Remember that a polygon is flat while a polyhedron is a solid built from many flat faces.

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Easily confused with

polygon

Common pairings

a regular polyhedron the faces of a polyhedron construct a polyhedron

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “polyhedron” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The students built a _____ out of card and glue.

Etymology

Polyhedron comes from New Latin polyedron, which was itself taken from Ancient Greek polúedros, meaning having many seats. That Greek word joins poly-, meaning many, with hedra, meaning seat, giving the sense of a shape made of many flat sides.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Rhymes for polyhedron

octahedron tetrahedron dodecahedron

See all rhymes for polyhedron →

Frequently asked questions

What is a polyhedron?

It is a solid shape bounded entirely by flat faces and straight edges, such as a cube or a pyramid.

What is the plural of polyhedron?

Both polyhedra and polyhedrons are accepted plural forms.

Where does the word polyhedron come from?

It comes from Ancient Greek, built from poly-, meaning many, and hedra, meaning seat or base, by way of New Latin.

What is the meaning of polyhedron?

"polyhedron" (noun) means a solid shape made up of many flat faces and straight edges.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial