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hypotenuse
Definitions
1
noun
The
longest
side
of
a
right-angled
triangle
,
opposite
the
right
angle
.
In
a
right
triangle
,
the
hypotenuse
is
always
longer
than
either
of
the
other
two
sides
.
To
find
the
length
of
the
hypotenuse
,
you
can
use
the
Pythagorean
theorem
.
The
hypotenuse
of
the
triangle
measures
centimeters
.
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Word Origin
Language
Greek
Original word
hypoteinousa
Word parts
hypo (under) + teinein (to stretch)
Originally meant
stretched under
Background
The term 'hypotenuse' comes from the Greek word 'hypoteinousa', meaning 'stretched under'. It was used in ancient geometry to describe the side of a right triangle opposite the right angle, which is the longest side.