regular hexagon
Definition
Noun: A regular hexagon is a six-sided polygon (hexagon) in which all six sides are of equal length and all six interior angles are of equal measure (each measuring 120 degrees). It is a highly symmetrical shape.
Usage
The term "regular hexagon" is used specifically in geometry to describe this precise, symmetrical shape. It distinguishes this figure from an irregular hexagon, which has six sides but with unequal lengths or angles. - A honeycomb cell is a classic example of a regular hexagon. - To find the area, you need to know the side length of the regular hexagon.
Advanced Usage
- In Tessellation: Regular hexagons are one of the three regular polygons that can tessellate a plane by themselves (the others being equilateral triangles and squares). This means they can fit together perfectly without any gaps.
- A tiled floor can use a pattern of regular hexagons.
Variants and Related Words
- Hexagon (n): Any six-sided polygon, which may be regular or irregular.
- Regular Polygon (n): Any polygon that is both equilateral (all sides equal) and equiangular (all angles equal). A regular hexagon is a specific type of regular polygon.
Synonyms
- Equilateral hexagon (This synonym emphasizes the equal sides but is less commonly used than "regular hexagon," which implies both equal sides and equal angles).
Related Phrases/Concepts
- Apothem: A line from the center of a regular polygon perpendicular to one of its sides. Important for calculating the area of a regular hexagon.
- Radius (Circumradius): The distance from the center of a regular hexagon to any of its vertices. All vertices of a regular hexagon lie on a common circle (the circumscribed circle).
Noun
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a hexagon with six sides of equal length
