Definition of hypotenuse
1 : the side of a right-angled triangle that is opposite the right angle
2 : the length of a hypotenuse
From the M-W Editors
Illustration of hypotenuse
Origin and Etymology of hypotenuse
Latin hypotenusa, from Greek hypoteinousa, from feminine of hypoteinōn, present participle of hypoteinein to subtend, from hypo- + teinein to stretch — more at thin
First Known Use: 1594
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
HYPOTENUSE Defined for English Language Learners
hypotenuse
playDefinition of hypotenuse for English Language Learners
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mathematics : the long side opposite the right angle of a triangle
HYPOTENUSE Defined for Kids
hypotenuse
playDefinition of hypotenuse for Students
: the side of a right triangle that is opposite the right angle
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See words that rhyme with hypotenuse Spanish Central: Translation of hypotenuse Nglish: Translation of hypotenuse for Spanish speakers
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