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Glite Dictionary
parallelogram

parallelogram

2 4.4
A four-sided shape with opposite sides parallel and the same length
  • noun
  • /ˌpærəˈlɛləˌɡræm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : paralelogramo
  • When measuring the area, remember that a parallelogram has a formula that involves multiplying the base by the height.

Examples

  • Have the students construct a parallelogram on their own geoboards, or if geoboards are not available, have them draw a parallelogram on a sheet of paper.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Consider a parallelogram that is formed on the geoboard (see Figure 3).

    Academic text (1991)

  • Let me attempt to show you how using something called the parallelogram law.

  • So the base is a parallelogram in space with sides B&C.

  • The setup with the parallelogram has several advantages.

    Academic text (2000)

  • And yes, you're correct, the parallelogram area equals base times height.

  • The front door of the bookstore casts a yellow parallelogram onto the stone sidewalk.

    Fiction book (1999)

  • There was afternoon sunlight printing parallelograms on the slate wall-to-wall carpeting in the enormous living room.

    Fiction book (1994)

  • In geometry class, we learned that a parallelogram has opposite sides that are both parallel and equal in length.

  • The artist drew a perfect parallelogram to demonstrate the concept of parallel lines in her painting.

Antonyms

trapezium
  • UK
7.9

A four-sided shape with no parallel sides

Surface Forms

parallelogram singular
parallelograms plural

Morphology

parallelogram = parallel (semi-transparent) = parallel + gram

The relation to 'parallel' is clear, but the suffix '-gram' (meaning a written/figural thing) is a less familiar combining form, so the exact geometric sense may not be fully derivable for all learners.

Etymology

Parallelogram comes from parallel ('side by side at the same distance') and the ending -gram (like in diagram, meaning 'a drawing' or 'line'). So a parallelogram is a drawn shape made of lines where opposite sides run side by side, which is why those sides are equal.