Rectangle Definition and Examples

Meaning 1：rectangle (rectangle)

rectangle 🔊

/ˈrɛktæŋɡəl/

A flat shape with four straight sides and four right angles (90-degree corners). Its opposite sides are equal in length, and its adjacent sides are usually different.

rectangle 🔊

➕

/ˈrɛktæŋɡəl/

A geometric shape with four straight sides and four right angles, where opposite sides are equal and adjacent sides are usually of different lengths.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'rectus' (right) + 'angulus' (angle), literally meaning 'right-angled'.

💡 Mnemonic

RECtangle: Right angles, Equal opposite sides, Corners perfect. Think of a door or a book.

📖 Example

The teacher drew a large rectangle on the whiteboard to demonstrate how to calculate its area. 🔊 The teacher drew a large rectangle on the whiteboard to demonstrate how to calculate its area.

🔗 Collocations

rectangle shape – the shape of a rectangle

area of a rectangle – the area enclosed by a rectangle

rectangle formula – the formula for calculating the area or perimeter of a rectangle

🔄 Synonyms

oblong (adj.) – describing a shape that is longer than it is wide, similar to a rectangle

quadrilateral (n.) – any four-sided polygon, of which a rectangle is a specific type

rectangular shape (n.) – the visual form of a rectangle

🚫 Antonyms

circle (n.) – a round shape with no straight sides or corners

triangle (n.) – a shape with three sides and three angles

🌱 Derivatives

rectangular (adj.) – having the shape of a rectangle

rectangularity (n.) – the quality of being rectangular

rectangulate (v.) – to make rectangular in shape

📖 Cultural Story

Entered English in the 16th century via Old French from Latin 'rectangulus', combining 'rectus' (right) and 'angulus' (angle). A foundational term in geometry.