Adjacent Words

Geometric definitions

	Tweet

Webster's 1828 Dictionary

GEOMET'RIC
GEOMET'RICAL, a. [Gr.] Pertaining to geometry.
1. According to the rules or principles of geometry; done by geometry.
2. Disposed according to geometry.
Geometrical progression, is when the terms increase or decrease by equal ratios; as 2.4.8.16.32. or 32.16.8.4.2.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

adj
1: characterized by simple geometric forms in design and decoration; "a buffalo hide painted with red and black geometric designs" [syn: geometric, geometrical]
2: of or relating to or determined by geometry [syn: geometric, geometrical]

Merriam Webster's

or geometrical adjective Date: 14th century 1. a. of, relating to, or according to the methods or principles of geometry b. increasing in a geometric progression <geometric population growth> 2. capitalized of or relating to a style of ancient Greek pottery characterized by geometric decorative motifs 3. a. utilizing rectilinear or simple curvilinear motifs or outlines in design b. of or relating to art based on simple geometric shapes (as straight lines, circles, or squares) <geometric abstractions> • geometrically adverb

Oxford Reference Dictionary

adj. (also geometrical) 1 of, according to, or like geometry. 2 (of a design, architectural feature, etc.) characterized by or decorated with regular lines and shapes. Phrases and idioms: geometric mean the central number in a geometric progression, also calculable as the nth root of a product of n numbers (as 9 from 3 and 27). geometric progression a progression of numbers with a constant ratio between each number and the one before (as 1, 3, 9, 27, 81). geometric tracery tracery with openings of geometric form. Derivatives: geometrically adv. Etymology: F géometrique f. L geometricus f. Gk geometrikos (as GEOMETER)

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Geometric Ge`o*met"ric, Geometrical Ge`o*met"ric*al, a. [L. geometricus; Gr. ?: cf. F. g['e]om['e]trique.] Pertaining to, or according to the rules or principles of, geometry; determined by geometry; as, a geometrical solution of a problem. Note: Geometric is often used, as opposed to algebraic, to include processes or solutions in which the propositions or principles of geometry are made use of rather than those of algebra. Note: Geometrical is often used in a limited or strictly technical sense, as opposed to mechanical; thus, a construction or solution is geometrical which can be made by ruler and compasses, i. e., by means of right lines and circles. Every construction or solution which requires any other curve, or such motion of a line or circle as would generate any other curve, is not geometrical, but mechanical. By another distinction, a geometrical solution is one obtained by the rules of geometry, or processes of analysis, and hence is exact; while a mechanical solution is one obtained by trial, by actual measurements, with instruments, etc., and is only approximate and empirical. Geometrical curve. Same as Algebraic curve; -- so called because their different points may be constructed by the operations of elementary geometry. Geometric lathe, an instrument for engraving bank notes, etc., with complicated patterns of interlacing lines; -- called also cycloidal engine. Geometrical pace, a measure of five feet. Geometric pen, an instrument for drawing geometric curves, in which the movements of a pen or pencil attached to a revolving arm of adjustable length may be indefinitely varied by changing the toothed wheels which give motion to the arm. Geometrical plane (Persp.), the same as Ground plane . Geometrical progression, proportion, ratio. See under Progression, Proportion and Ratio. Geometrical radius, in gearing, the radius of the pitch circle of a cogwheel. --Knight. Geometric spider (Zo["o]l.), one of many species of spiders, which spin a geometrical web. They mostly belong to Epeira and allied genera, as the garden spider. See Garden spider. Geometric square, a portable instrument in the form of a square frame for ascertaining distances and heights by measuring angles. Geometrical staircase, one in which the stairs are supported by the wall at one end only. Geometrical tracery, in architecture and decoration, tracery arranged in geometrical figures.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

Note: The form 'geometrical' is also used. 1. Geometric or geometrical patterns or shapes consist of regular shapes or lines. Geometric designs were popular wall decorations in the 14th century. ADJ: usu ADJ n • geometrically ...a few geometrically planted trees. ADV 2. Geometric or geometrical means relating to or involving the principles of geometry. Euclid was trying to convey his idea of a geometrical point. ADJ: usu ADJ n