Definition

1. Noun:
   • A six-pointed geometric figure: A hexagram is a star-shaped polygon with six points, typically formed by superimposing two equilateral triangles.
   • A figure with six lines: In specific contexts, such as the I Ching, a hexagram is a figure composed of six stacked horizontal lines, each of which may be broken or unbroken.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The national flag features a prominent blue hexagram on a white background.
  • In the I Ching, each of the 64 possible hexagrams represents a different state or principle.
  • She drew a perfect hexagram by connecting every other vertex of a hexagon.

Advanced Usage

• "to cast a hexagram": In divination practices like the I Ching, this refers to the process of generating a six-line figure through a random method (e.g., tossing coins or yarrow stalks) to obtain guidance.
  • The sage advised him to cast a hexagram to contemplate his dilemma.

Variants and Related Words

• Hexagonal (adj): Having the form of a hexagon (a six-sided polygon).
  • The cells in a honeycomb have a hexagonal shape.
• Hexagon (n): A plane figure with six straight sides and angles.
  • A standard nut is often hexagonal.

Synonyms

• Six-pointed star: A common descriptive synonym.
• Star of David: A specific cultural and religious symbol that is a type of hexagram.
• Shield of David: Another name for the Star of David.

Related Phrases

(This word is primarily a noun and is not commonly used to form phrasal verbs.)

Related Idioms

(There are no common idioms that use the word "hexagram" itself.)

Noun

1. a regular polygon formed by extending each of the sides of a regular hexagon to form two equilateral triangles