hypotenuse The longest side of a right triangle – the one opposite the right angle. The word comes from the Greek roots hypo meaning "under" (which also appears, for example, in "hypodermic" – "under the skin") and tein or ten, for stretch. Thus hypotenuse is the line segment "stretched under" the right angle. See also Pythagoras' theorem. Related category GEOMETRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |