noun
triangulation
treye-angg-yuu-LAY-shuhn
Triangulation (noun) means a method of finding an unknown location or distance using angles measured from known points. Example: “Cell towers use triangulation to estimate a phone's location.”
noun
1
A method of finding an unknown location or distance using angles measured from known points.
"A special advantage of radar is that it works during darkness and other periods of low visibility, which prevent visual triangulation and aircraft techniques for measuring nuclear clouds."
— , News Notes: Army Weather Radar Tracks Nuclear Clouds (1958)
"Cell towers use triangulation to estimate a phone's location."
2
(figurative, politics) The strategy of positioning oneself between two opposing sides to appeal to the middle ground.
"Critics called the policy shift a classic case of political triangulation."
How to use triangulation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe technique of pinpointing something using triangles and angles, or a political strategy of steering a middle course between opposing sides.
Common pairings
GPS triangulation
political triangulation
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Word forms
- Plural
- triangulations
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Cell towers use _____ to estimate a phone's location.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin triangulatio, built from triangulum, "triangle," via the verb triangulare.
Rhymes for triangulation
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for triangulation →
Frequently asked questions
What does “triangulation” mean?
The word “triangulation” means a method of finding an unknown location or distance using angles measured from known points. In plain terms, the technique of pinpointing something using triangles and angles, or a political strategy of steering a middle course between opposing sides.
How do you pronounce “triangulation”?
“Triangulation” is pronounced treye-angg-yuu-LAY-shuhn (/tɹaɪˌæŋɡjʊˈleɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “triangulation” in a sentence?
Here is “triangulation” used in a sentence: “Cell towers use triangulation to estimate a phone's location.”
What part of speech is “triangulation”?
“Triangulation” is a noun.
Where does the word “triangulation” come from?
The word “triangulation” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin triangulatio, built from triangulum, "triangle," via the verb triangulare.
How many meanings does “triangulation” have?
“Triangulation” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a method of finding an unknown location or distance using angles measured from known points.
