rectangle

[rek-tang-guhl]

noun

1. a parallelogram having four right angles.

rectangle

/ ˈrɛkˌtæŋɡəl /

noun

1. a parallelogram having four right angles Compare rhombus

rectangle

1. A four-sided plane figure with four right angles.

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectangle¹

1565–75; < Medieval Latin rēctangulum, Late Latin rēctiangulum right-angled triangle (noun use of neuter of rēctiangulus having a right angle), equivalent to rēcti- recti- + angulum angle ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of rectangle¹

C16: from Medieval Latin rectangulum , from Latin rectus straight + angulus angle

Example Sentences

The new design that is being rolled out is topped with a grid of dark solar panels on a white rectangle, which will be oriented "due south for optimal sunlight", the firm said.

From BBC

Nicotine pouches, often sold in cans, are small tea-bag-like rectangles that contain white powder that releases nicotine into the bloodstream when placed between a person's upper lip and gum.

From BBC

Stuck to her right cheek was a little yellow star on a red rectangle - the Vietnamese flag.

From BBC

That memorial includes 805 hanging steel rectangles representing each of the counties in the United States where lynchings took place.

From Salon

So far I’ve yet to see any movie figure out how to integrate the dull activity of staring at a small black rectangle into something worthy of the screen.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• square