octahedral
Definition
Adjective: Having the shape or form of an octahedron, which is a three-dimensional geometric figure with eight plane faces, typically triangular.
Usage Examples
- (The crystal had the shape of an octahedron.)
- (These minerals grow into a shape with eight faces.)
- (The dome was shaped like an octahedron.)
Advanced Usage
- "octahedral coordination": In chemistry, a common geometry where a central atom is surrounded by six ligands at the vertices of an octahedron.
- The metal ion in this complex adopts octahedral coordination. (The ion is bonded to six surrounding atoms in an octahedral arrangement.)
- "octahedral symmetry": The symmetry of a regular octahedron, often found in molecular structures.
- The molecule's octahedral symmetry makes it highly stable. (The molecule's shape has the symmetry of an octahedron.)
Variants and Related Words
- Octahedron (noun): The solid geometric figure itself.
- An octahedron has eight faces, twelve edges, and six vertices.
- Octahedrally (adverb): In an octahedral manner or shape.
- The atoms are arranged octahedrally around the central ion. (They are arranged with octahedral geometry.)
- Octahedrite (noun): A mineral or substance that crystallizes in an octahedral form (e.g., a type of meteorite).
Synonyms
- Eight-faced: Describing a polyhedron with eight faces.
- Cubic-like: Although not exact, sometimes used informally for octahedral shapes due to symmetry similarities.
Related Idioms (None common; the term is technical)
- No widely used idioms include "octahedral," as it is a specialized scientific term.