geometry

noun

ge·​om·​e·​try jē-ˈä-mə-trē How to pronounce geometry (audio)
plural geometries
1
a
: a branch of mathematics that deals with the measurement, properties, and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids
broadly : the study of properties of given elements that remain invariant under specified transformations
b
: a particular type or system of geometry
Euclidean geometry
2
a
: configuration
… the [bicycle] frame's geometry can be adjusted via a two-position lower shock mount which slackens the angles by another half a degree.Liam Mercer
b
: surface shape
the geometry of the landscape
The shape of the earbud is tailored to the geometry of your ear.Noah Robischon
The Ken Onion also allows you to choose the type of blade geometry for whatever implement you're sharpening …Ariel Kanter
Every object naturally resonates when hit by electromagnetic waves of particular frequencies, which are determined by the object's geometry and material properties.Ada Poon
3
: an arrangement of objects or parts that suggests geometric figures
the geometry of neoclassical architecture

Examples of geometry in a Sentence

the geometry of Sydney's famed opera house is suggestive of some modernistic sailing ship
Recent Examples on the Web In a 2020 paper, Boyle, Flicker and the late Madeline Dickens showed that aperiodic tilings appear in the space-time geometry of those models. Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 The Monster in the Moonlight The monster was a theoretical prediction of group theory, an area of geometry that deals with the symmetrical properties of objects. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 5 Feb. 2024 Katonah draws from Chinese medicine, Taoist principles, and sacred geometry, making for an inspiriting and grounding hourlong practice. Krista Simmons, Sunset Magazine, 29 Jan. 2024 That same year Simon Donaldson introduced differential geometry (which combines calculus and geometry) into the field with his work on four-dimensional manifolds. Kevin Hartnett, Quanta Magazine, 22 Feb. 2024 With an overall geometry that leans into the carefree cycling of a beach cruiser and an easy-access step-in frame, the Electra Townie Go! Nathan Borchelt, Travel + Leisure, 16 Feb. 2024 In the moments before school officially begins, a first-grade class silently eats breakfast while listening to a Curious George audiobook about Mount Rushmore; an eighth-grade class silently cuts out shapes from geometry worksheets. The Arizona Republic, 28 Jan. 2024 The new device does not rely on a specialized coating to repel microbes; simple geometry does the trick. Joanna Thompson, Scientific American, 12 Jan. 2024 While the Archangel has a sportbike heart, the suspension geometry is long and low, with handling characteristics to match. William Roberson, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'geometry.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English geometrie, from Anglo-French, from Latin geometria, from Greek geōmetria, from geōmetrein to measure the earth, from geō- ge- + metron measure — more at measure

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of geometry was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near geometry

Cite this Entry

“Geometry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/geometry. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

geometry

noun
ge·​om·​e·​try jē-ˈäm-ə-trē How to pronounce geometry (audio)
plural geometries
1
: a branch of mathematics that deals with points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids
2
: shape entry 2
the geometry of a crystal

More from Merriam-Webster on geometry

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