Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having six sides: Describes a shape, object, or structure that possesses six straight edges and six angles.
   • Having a hexagon as a base or cross-section: Describes a three-dimensional object whose base or a prominent cross-sectional shape is a hexagon.
   • Divided or arranged into hexagons: Describes a pattern, grid, or area that is partitioned into hexagonal units.

Usage Examples

• Describing a two-dimensional shape:
  • A honeycomb is made of hexagonal cells.
  • The crystal exhibited a perfect hexagonal structure under the microscope.
• Describing a three-dimensional object:
  • The new building features a distinctive hexagonal tower.
  • The nut has a hexagonal head, so you'll need a specific wrench.
• Describing a pattern or division:
  • The game board uses a hexagonal grid instead of a square one.

Advanced Usage

• In crystallography: Used to describe a crystal system where the unit cell is shaped like a hexagonal prism.
  • Quartz belongs to the hexagonal crystal system.
• In geometry and mathematics: Pertaining to properties, tiling, or calculations involving hexagons.
  • The mathematician studied the efficiency of hexagonal packing in a plane.

Variants and Related Words

• Hexagon (n): A plane figure with six straight sides and six angles.
  • A stop sign is an octagon, not a hexagon.
• Hexagonally (adv): In a hexagonal manner or pattern.
  • The tiles were arranged hexagonally on the floor.

Synonyms

• Six-sided: Having six sides.
• Hexangular: (Less common) Having six angles.

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Hexagonal close-packed (adj): A specific, efficient arrangement of spheres in crystallography.
  • Magnesium has a hexagonal close-packed structure.
• Hexagonal prism (n): A three-dimensional solid with two parallel hexagonal bases.
• Hexagonal lattice (n): A repeating pattern of points arranged in a hexagonal grid.

Adjective

1. having six sides or divided into hexagons