Definition

Noun: A parallelogram is a flat, four-sided shape (a quadrilateral) in which both pairs of opposite sides are parallel to each other and equal in length. Its opposite angles are also equal.

Usage

The word "parallelogram" is used primarily in geometry to describe and classify a specific type of quadrilateral. It is a countable noun. - A square, a rectangle, and a rhombus are all special types of a parallelogram. - To find the area of a parallelogram, multiply the base by the height.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• Parallelogram of forces/velocities: A method in physics for finding the resultant of two vector quantities (like forces or velocities) by constructing a parallelogram where the vectors represent two adjacent sides. The diagonal from their common point represents the resultant.
  • The net force was calculated using the parallelogram of forces.

Variants and Related Words

• Parallelepiped (noun): A three-dimensional figure whose six faces are parallelograms.
  • A cube is a special case of a rectangular parallelepiped.

Synonyms

• There are no perfect synonyms for this precise geometric term. It can be described as a type of quadrilateral.

Related Phrases/Concepts

• Base and height: Key measurements for calculating a parallelogram's area.
• Opposite sides/angles: Fundamental properties of a parallelogram.
• Diagonal: A line segment connecting two non-adjacent vertices. A parallelogram's diagonals bisect each other.

Noun

1. a quadrilateral whose opposite sides are both parallel and equal in length