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Definition of hypotenuse

hypotenuse

/haɪˈpɑːtənuːs/
hy · pot · e · nuse
Plural:hypotenuses
•
Adjective:hypotenusal
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hypotenuse Lexical Profile

hypotenuse Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

In geometry, the longest side of a right-angled triangle, located directly opposite the right angle.

Example

"Using the Pythagorean theorem, the students calculated the length of the hypotenuse from the two shorter sides."

Antonyms
View all antonyms for hypotenuse

• Nearby Words

hypodermically
hypoestes
hypopharynx
hypotenuse
hypothermia
hypothermic
hypothesis

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century via French and Late Latin hypotenusa from Ancient Greek hypoteinousa, meaning 'stretching under' (from hypo- 'under' and teinein 'to stretch'), referring to the line that subtends the right angle.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Hypotenuse. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/hypotenuse
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