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Glite Dictionary
re-entrant

re-entrant

9.6
An angle that points inward and makes a notch in a shape
  • adjective
  • /riˈɛntrənt/
  • Specialized
translation icon : reentrante
  • The coastline features several re-entrant bays that cut deep into the land.

Examples

  • Some fortresses were designed with re-entrant angles to improve defensive coverage.

  • The architect designed a re-entrant corner for the building.

  • A re-entrant corner in a polygon often requires special consideration in structural design.

  • This re-entrant angle creates a unique visual effect.

  • The coastline features several re-entrant bays that cut deep into the land.

  • Some fortresses were designed with re-entrant angles to improve defensive coverage.

  • A re-entrant corner in a polygon often requires special consideration in structural design.

Antonyms

salient
  • Specialized
1 7.7

An angle that points outward at less than 180 degrees

Surface Forms

re-entrant positive

Morphology

re-entrant = entrant (semi-transparent) = re + enter + ant

The prefix 're-' and base 'entrant' are form-recognizable, but the specialized geometric sense ('pointing inward' or 'turning back') is technical and not fully predictable for average learners.

Etymology

Re-entrant comes from the prefix re- meaning 'back' or 'again' and the part enter, as in entrance, meaning 'to go in', so it literally means 'entering back into' a shape. That's why a re-entrant angle points inward, making a notch instead of sticking out.