trigonometry

noun

trig·​o·​nom·​e·​try ˌtri-gə-ˈnä-mə-trē 

: the study of the properties of triangles and trigonometric functions and of their applications

Examples of trigonometry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Since 2017, 93% of students taking it have passed, and 83% have achieved all the course’s learning goals, including the ability to use arithmetic, geometry, algebra and trigonometry to solve welding problems, school data shows. —Steven Yoder, USA TODAY, 24 June 2024

Same goes for lidar alternatives like the Clarity system covered by Ars three years ago, which used trigonometry to precisely calculate the distance to every pixel a camera saw. —Jacek Krywko, Ars Technica, 7 June 2024

Projecting how a college QB will react to the NFL’s speed and complexity, in addition to the narrow hash marks and longer seasons, can be like projecting how a math student will transition from basic algebra to trigonometry and calculus. —Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Feb. 2024

Since then, the company has educated hundreds of millions of students at no cost via the internet in subjects that range from trigonometry to financial literacy. —Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 12 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

New Latin trigonometria, from Greek trigōnon + -metria -metry

First Known Use

1614, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing trigonometry

• spherical trigonometry

Kids Definition

trigonometry

noun

trig·​o·​nom·​e·​try ˌtrig-ə-ˈnäm-ə-trē 

: a branch of mathematics concerned with the study of the properties of triangles and trigonometric functions and of their practical uses

Etymology

from scientific Latin trigonometria, literally "triangle measurement," derived from Greek tri- "three" and Greek gonia "angle" and Greek -metria "art or science of measuring"