rectangle

noun rect·an·gle \ˈrek-ˌtaŋ-gəl\

geometry : a four-sided shape that is made up of two pairs of parallel lines and that has four right angles; especially : a shape in which one pair of lines is longer than the other pair

Full Definition of RECTANGLE

: a parallelogram all of whose angles are right angles; especially : one with adjacent sides of unequal length

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Origin of RECTANGLE

Medieval Latin rectangulus having a right angle, from Latin rectus right + angulus angle — more at right, angle

First Known Use: circa 1560

Rhymes with RECTANGLE

embrangle, entangle, face angle, pentangle, quadrangle, right angle, round angle, straight angle, triangle, untangle, wide-angle

RECTANGLE Defined for Kids

rectangle

noun rect·an·gle \ˈrek-ˌtaŋ-gəl\

Definition of RECTANGLE for Kids

: a flat geometric four-sided figure with right angles and with opposite sides parallel

Word Root of RECTANGLE

The Latin word rēctus, meaning “straight” or “right,” gives us the root rect. Words from the Latin rēctus have something to do with being straight or correct. Something erect stands straight up. Something correct is right. A rectangle is a shape made of four straight lines and four right angles.