Definition

Noun: A quadrangular prism is a three-dimensional geometric solid (a prism) that has two parallel, congruent quadrilateral faces (called bases) and four rectangular lateral faces connecting the corresponding sides of the two bases.

Usage

The term is used in geometry to describe a specific class of polyhedron. It specifies the shape of the prism's bases (quadrangles/quadrilaterals). - The building's central tower was shaped like a tall quadrangular prism. - In geometry class, we calculated the volume of a quadrangular prism.

Advanced Usage

• A right quadrangular prism has lateral faces that are perpendicular to the bases. If the bases are rectangles, it is a rectangular prism (cuboid).
• An oblique quadrangular prism has lateral faces that are parallelograms, not rectangles, as they are not perpendicular to the bases.

Variants and Related Words

• Prism (n): The general class of solids with two congruent, parallel polygonal bases and parallelogram lateral faces.
• Rectangular prism (n): A specific type of quadrangular prism where the bases are rectangles. Often synonymous with a cuboid.
• Quadrilateral (n): A polygon with four sides; this is the shape of the bases.

Synonyms

• Quadrilateral-based prism (technical synonym)
• Prism with quadrilateral bases (descriptive synonym)

Different Meanings

The term quadrangular prism has a single, specific meaning in geometry. It does not have common idiomatic or figurative uses.

Noun

1. a prism whose bases are quadrangles