Definition

1. Verb:

   • To survey or determine locations by forming triangles: The primary meaning refers to a surveying or navigation method where an unknown point is found by measuring angles to it from known points at either end of a fixed baseline, forming a triangle.
   • To measure or calculate using trigonometry: To use the principles of trigonometry to determine distances, heights, or other measurements.
   • To divide into triangles or give a triangular form: To make something composed of triangles or to arrange something in a triangular pattern.

2. Adjective:

   • Composed of or marked with triangles: Describing something that has a pattern, structure, or form made up of triangles.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Surveyors often triangulate a position using two known landmarks.
  • To find the height of the mountain, they had to triangulate from the valley floor.
  • The artist decided to triangulate the canvas with bold lines.

• Adjective:

  • The map featured a triangulate network of survey points.
  • The design was based on a triangulate grid.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use (Verb): To establish or confirm something by using multiple sources or methods of information that converge, similar to how geometric triangulation uses multiple reference points.
  • The detective triangulated the suspect's story by checking phone records and witness statements.
  • We can triangulate the truth by comparing these three different accounts.

Variants and Related Words

• Triangulation (n): The process or technique of triangulating.
  • The triangulation of the data confirmed the initial hypothesis.
• Triangular (adj): Shaped like a triangle.
  • A triangular piece of fabric.

Synonyms

• Survey (v): To examine and measure an area of land.
• Calculate (v): To determine mathematically.
• Plot (v): To mark or chart on a map or graph.

Related Phrases

• Triangulate a signal: To determine the source of a radio or other signal by using multiple receivers.
  • The coast guard was able to triangulate the distress signal and locate the vessel.
• Triangulate one's position: To figure out where one is located using landmarks or other reference points.
  • The hikers used a compass and map to triangulate their position in the forest.

Adjective

1. composed of or marked with triangles

Verb

1. survey by triangulation
   • The land surveyor worked by triangulating the plot
2. measure by using trigonometry
   • triangulate the angle
3. divide into triangles or give a triangular form to
   • triangulate the piece of cardboard